Abstract
The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources based on renewable energy sources in distribution systems leads to a more complex management of power systems. Consequently, ancillary services become even more important to maintain the system security and reliability. This paper proposes and evaluates a generic model for day-ahead, intraday (hour-ahead) and real-time scheduling, considering the joint optimization of energy and reserve in the scope of the virtual power player concept. The model aims to minimize the operation costs in the point of view of one aggregator agent taking into account the balance of the distribution system. For each scheduling stage, previous scheduling results and updated forecasts are considered. An illustrative test case of a distribution network with 33 buses, considering a large penetration of distribution energy resources allows demonstrating the benefits of the proposed model.

Abstract
This paper proposes a comprehensive model for the interactions of the plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) involved parties. An aggregator with mixed resources is assumed to be the interface between the parking lot (PL) and the upstream energy and reserve markets. On the other hand, the interactions of the PEV owners and the PL are also modeled as they impose restrictions to the PL's behavior. Therefore, a bilevel problem is constructed where in the upper level the objective of the aggregator is to maximize its profit through its interactions, and in the lower level the PL maximizes its own profit limited to the preferences of PEVs. The objectives of the upper and lower levels are contradictory; hence, an equilibrium point should be found to solve the problem. In this regard, the duality theorem is employed to convert the bilevel model to a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints. The model is implemented on the IEEE 37-bus network with added distributed generations. Various cases are thoroughly investigated and conclusions are duly drawn.

Abstract
This paper investigates the effectiveness of using different decision-making frameworks in local energy systems (LES) through the assessment of the long-term equilibrium of energy players. For this purpose, the energy system is modelled through two levels of multi-energy player (MEP) and LES, coupled by energy price signals. The conflict between the decision-making of these two levels of players is modelled through a bi-level approach. A mathematical problem with equilibrium constraint is formulated by applying the duality theory, resorting to a linear representation of the constraints. The solution is found by using the CPLEX12 solver. The numerical results show the characteristics of the MEP behaviour in different energy aggregation modes for the LES, with centralised management or uniform pricing. The MEP may find benefits from possible synergies among the LES due to availability of energy carriers with complementary characteristics.

Abstract
Integration of emerging energy resources in distribution level reveals new opportunities for decision makers to coordinate various energy vectors under the concept of multi-energy system (MES). In this paper, the behavior of a multi-energy player (MEP) who can trade more than one energy carrier to enhance operational flexibility of MES has been investigated. MEP participates in retail and wholesale energy markets to maximize its profit. The strategic behavior of MEP in these two markets is modeled as two synchronized bi-level problems. The problem is linearized and solved through CPLEX 12 solver. Numerical results show the behavior of MEP as a prosumer in the electricity market to make a smother demand and price profile. Moreover, the results reveal a mutual effect of local and wholesale equilibrium prices by increasing the market share of MEP.

Abstract
In this paper, a mixed-integer linear programing (MILP) model for characterizing the traffic behavior of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in an urban environment is proposed. The paper proposes the procedure to mathematically model the uncertain behavior of the PEVS. As the PEV's traffic pattern affects the potential of PEV parking lot (PL) in terms of available capacity and state of charge, the characterized PEVs are employed to provide the proper pricing schemes for the PEVs in PL. The results discuss the mutual effect of PEVs behavior on the profit of PL, as well as the effects of PL's tariffs on motivating PEVs to provide more flexibility for the PL. The results show that with a proper pricing scheme both parties (i.e., PEV owners and PL) can earn higher profits, while the charging requirements are met based on the preferences of the owners.

Abstract
The introduction of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in the electrical system is bringing various challenges. One of the recent solutions to deploy the potentials of PEVs in the system is through PEV parking lots (PL). The PLs not only provide a place for the PEVs charging requirements, but also give the possibility of exploiting the vehicle-to-gird (V2G) potential of PEVs in a more efficient manner comparing to PEV aggregators. On the other hand, the V2G mode gives the reserve market possibility to the PL operator, which can be a source of income other than selling energy to the PEV owners. However, the willingness of participating in the V2G mode may be low due to exposing battery degradation and not sufficient departure state of charge (SOC). As a result, this study investigates the behavior of PL on deploying the V2G mode of PEVs in reserve market participation considering the PEVs' traffic behavior.