Abstract
In this paper, a validation framework is proposed to evaluate the quality of uncertainty forecasts, when used to perform branch flow security assessment. The consistency between probabilistic forecasts and observations and the sharpness of the uncertainty forecasts is verified with advanced metrics widely used in weather prediction. The evaluation is completed by assessing the added value of exploiting uncertainty forecasts over the TSO current practices of using deterministic forecasts. For electric power industry, this proposed validation framework provides a way to compare the performance among alternative uncertainty models, when used to perform security assessment in power systems. The quality of the proposed metrics is illustrated and validated on historical data of the French transmission system.

Abstract
Variable-speed pump power storage is an innovative large-scale technology that is being deployed across the world. In addition to price arbitrage and provision of downward replacement reserve, its operational flexibility enables the provision of frequency restoration reserve (FRR) both in turbine and pump modes. This work proposes a bidding optimization strategy for the participation in the FRR market. The proposed framework encompasses a medium-term module to optimally allocate the yearly natural water inflows, representation of electrical and hydraulic losses in the water inflow/power curves, as well as forecasting techniques to predict market prices and natural water inflows. Moreover, it does not assume prior knowledge of the amount of activated FRR capacity band. An evaluation module is also proposed to replicate the real operation of the power plant and enables an accurate calculation of the revenue. A comparison between fixed and variable-speed Pump storage power (PSP) units participating in the Iberian electricity market presented an increase in revenue of almost 12%. Due to the low liquidity of the FRR market in Portugal, and the considerable capacity of the PSP unit, under some specific situations, it might be necessary to cap the size of the FRR bid to decrease the difference between the expected and realized revenue.

Abstract
This paper presents a multi-temporal approach for the energy scheduling and voltage/var control problem in a microgrid (MG) system with photovoltaic (PV) generation and energy storage devices (PV-battery MG) during islanded operation conditions. A MG is often defined as a low voltage (LV) distribution grid that encompasses distributed energy resources and loads that operate in a coordinated way, either connected to the upstream distribution grid or autonomously (islanded from the main grid). Considering the islanded operation of the MG during a given period, it is necessary to develop proper tools that allow the effective coordination of the existing resources. Such tools should be incorporated in the MG control system hierarchy in order to assure proper conditions for the operation of the autonomous MG in terms of active power, voltage and reactive power management. Energy storage devices are essential components for the successful operation of islanded MG. These devices have a very fast response and are able to absorb/inject the right amount of power. For the operation of the MG in islanding conditions during a longer period, it is necessary to integrate information related to the forecasting of loads and PV-based generation for the upcoming hours for which is intended to maintain MG in islanded operation. Therefore, this paper presents a tool to be integrated in the Microgrid Central Controller (MGCC) that is responsible to perform a multi-temporal optimal power flow (OPF) in order to schedule the active and reactive power within the MG for the next time intervals. © 2019, ICST Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering.

Abstract
In this paper a real-time laboratorial experiment is presented, intended to validate a 'grey-box' equivalent model for medium voltage active distribution networks with high presence of converter-connected generation, considering the latest European grid codes requirements, in response to severe faults at the transmission network side. A hybrid setup was implemented at INESC TEC's laboratory (Porto, Portugal), relying on a real-time digital simulator to provide the interface between simulation and physical assets available at the laboratory, in a power-hardware-in-the-loop configuration. The study considered the laboratory's internal network to be operating (virtually) as a medium voltage distribution network with converter-connected generation (fault ride through compliant), connected to a fully-detailed transmission network model. The aggregated reactive power response of the laboratory's network was fitted by the dynamic equivalent model, recurring to an evolutionary particle swarm optimization algorithm. The methodology adopted, testing conditions and respective results are presented. © 2019 IEEE.

Abstract
The integration of micro-generation (µG) in distribution networks faces new challenges concerning the technical as well as commercial management. The µG integration in the Low and medium voltage distribution networks has many advantages for the grid operation, such as voltage profiles improvement, power losses reduction, and branches congestion levels reduction. This paper presents a method for guiding continuation power flow simulation of integrating µG on distribution feeders. A base model is designed with variable capacitor bank, µG unit such as PV and Wind generation are integrated. A control method is used to improve the voltage level of each node as well as improving power factor of the systems. The electricity consumption of a university's substation area where commercial, residential and municipal load are presented are modeled using actual data collected from each single residential hall and commercial buildings. This model allows analyzing the power flow and voltage profile along each distribution feeders on continuing fashion for a 24- hour period at hour-by-hour formulation. By dividing the feeder into load zones based on distance from each load node to distribution feeder head, the impact of integration of different µG operation in different condition has been discussed. © 2019 IEEE.

Abstract
Evaluating the effectiveness of teaching and learning core knowledge outcomes and professional skills is a highly challenging task that has not yet been satisfactorily addressed at higher education level. The iTeach European project consortium developed a framework for assessing the effectiveness of various pedagogical methodologies in chemical engineering education, including those aiming to promote important core competencies related to employability, in a range of geographical and educational contexts. The framework was firstly implemented in a core chemical engineering area (reaction engineering) to check its usability and robustness, and subsequently was also tested on a range of subject areas from various branches of engineering and other disciplines, one of which is analysed in more detail in this contribution. The results of this broader assessment encompassed a much more diverse student body with varying educational experiences and a wider range of different teaching methodologies. The outcomes of this assessment are highlighted and the benefits of such an objective approach for evaluating teaching effectiveness is discussed. Crown Copyright