Abstract
The inclusion of new energy management technologies in buildings and increasing integration of distributed energy resources in electricity networks will require new operation and planning approaches from system operators. Currently, distribution network planning is rather inefficient as network assets are oversized to meet the peak demand of a worst case scenario which is unlikely to occur. In addition, flexibility provided by controllable loads is not taken into account at all. This paper presents an innovative approach that integrates the potential flexibility of distributed energy resources in the planning exercise. It incorporates two optimization problems: a low-level one to optimize the operation of controllable resources; and a high-level one based on an OPF that uses the available flexibility to solve network problems. The proposed method allows obtaining costeffective solutions that make a better use of the flexible resources available, avoiding high capital investments in network reinforcement.

Abstract
Building automation systems (BAS) have promising potential to support power and energy management applications, in addition to the current and conventional intention of use for improving comfort. Integration of BAS with smart meters to provide remote monitoring and control over user-friendly interfaces can foster consumer awareness, proactiveness towards more effective use of energy and it is one of the keystones of the future's smart cities. This paper proposes development and field implementation of a remote monitoring, control and data processing system for residential customers. The system is designed to comprise a widely used BAS protocol (KNX) and smart meters in the market, adding on a central database and a web application. The developed solution is implemented in 3 houses with real residents in Istanbul, Turkey. The study provides developments for hardware-software integration in building energy management and solutions for problems encountered during field implementation. Energy management potential of three houses from the field is also discussed.

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.