Abstract
The ex-ante division of consumers into potential off-grid and grid-extension clusters represents a crucial input to electrification planning. This paper explores the application of image processing tools to distinguish grid-expansion from offgrid consumer clusters spatially, considering peak-load surfaces. Instead of point-based cluster analysis, the proposed model induces morphological pixel changes in the image through filtering and segmentation techniques. This way, load clusters can be isolated based on texture and coherence in an unprecedented way. Various single and sequential image processing techniques are compared, together with a rough grid expansion-ratio estimate for each case. Model outcomes are benchmarked against off-grid/on-grid clusters retrieved by using the Rural Electrification Model.

Abstract

Abstract
Prosumers represent an important building block under the paradigm of a decentralized energy landscape such as outlined in the EU Clean Energy Package. However, the synergetic use of distributed resources such as electric vehicles (EV) or residential roof-integrated photovoltaics (PV) on household or neighbourhood level requires their diffusion patterns being temporally and spatially synchronized. This paper is dedicated to the joint analysis of their adoption patterns, using spatial analysis interfaced with mutual information and criteria ranking analysis. Surprisingly, outcomes for Portugal suggest that residential photovoltaics and electric vehicles are adopted by different population layers, as their occurrence is linked to diverging sets of sociodemographic criteria. Furthermore, an analysis of these criteria sets shows that their internal composition (the driving factors behind EV and PV adoption) varies among regions which has important implications on electricity network planning.

Abstract
Aggregated management of distributed energy resources (DERs) is an emerging topic mainly with simulation based investigation of the developed approaches. On the other hand, field tests can provide important insights on the path to wide deployment. Most of the works take into account aggregated DERs as a single entity and do not get into details about how to allocate a desired management target among them. This study focuses on management of different types of DERs as a group to reach aggregation targets through two field-testing scenarios. Active power management scenario investigates management of a DER group for an hour long period by allocating an overall target proportional to DERs energy storage capacities. Varying PV panel, wind turbine and residential consumer power profiles were also included in the testing scenario as a challenge to determine set points for manageable devices. Reactive power management case equally distributes aggregation targets among available DERs, comparing relative management performances in 4 consecutive periods. Management performances of individual DERs and the whole group were evaluated, highlighting management accuracy and possible challenges in the field.

Abstract
Using power-hardware-in-the-loop is a solution for testing the behavior of devices on an emulated grid, with greater flexibility and avoiding the introduction of disturbances or critical operating conditions in the utility grid. This paper highlights the implementation of such a setup, its challenges and the solutions to cope with its limitations. The emulated grid is then used for the experimental validation of a 10kVA converter, regarding fault-ride-through, dynamic reactive current support and frequency and voltage based droop control, leading to the identification of design improvement recommendations.

Abstract
High level vehicle automation systems are currently being studied to attenuate highway traffic and energy consumption by applying the concept of platooning, which has gained increased attention due to progresses in the next generation of mobile communication (5G). The introduction of more complex automation systems originates, however, fault entry points that hinders the system safety and resilience. This paper presents an initial control architecture for the electric vehicles platoon from a fault-tolerant control perspective. To achieve a fault-tolerant platooning structure an over-actuated electric vehicle topology is proposed which may allow the implementation of different redundancies. Furthermore, some of the major challenges in the platooning network control system (NCS) are presented and the techniques to overcome these issues are explored.