Abstract
MicroGrids represent a new paradigm for the operation of distribution systems and there are several advantages as well as challenges regarding their development. One of the advantages is related with the participation of MicroGrid agents in electricity markets and in the provision of ancillary services. This paper describes two optimization models to allocate three ancillary services among MicroGrid agents - reactive power/voltage control, active loss balancing and demand interruption. These models assume that MicroGrid agents participate in the day-ahead market sending their bids to the MicroGrid Central Controller, MGCC, that acts as an interface with the Market Operator. Once the Market Operator returns the economic dispatch of the MicroGrid agents, the MGCC checks its technical feasibility (namely voltage magnitude and branch flow limits) and activates an adjustment market to change the initial schedule and to allocate these three ancillary services. One of the models has crisp nature considering that voltage and branch flow limits are rigid while the second one admits that voltage and branch flow limits are modeled in a soft way using Fuzzy Set concepts. Finally, the paper illustrates the application of these models with a Case Study using a 55 node MV/LV network.

Abstract
This paper presents a conceptual framework to enable a successful integration of Electric Vehicles (EV) into isolated power systems. The developed framework includes the management and control actions that might be implemented over EV in order to improve the system's resilience. Several dynamic stability simulations were performed, using a small isolated grid as a test system, in order to demonstrate the possible contributions EV may provide to fast power/frequency control, either as a highly flexible and controllable load and/or as an energy storage device.

Abstract
Under normal conditions, the MicroGrid operates interconnected with the upstream medium voltage network. However, scheduled or forced isolation can take place. In such conditions, the MicroGrid must have the ability to operate stably and autonomously, requiring the development of suitable control strategies in order to enable MicroGrid islanded operation. The MicroGrid power sources can also be exploited in order to locally promote a service restoration strategy following a general blackout. A sequence of actions for the black start procedure is also identified and it is expected to be an advantage for power system operation in terms of reliability as a result from the presence of very large amounts of dispersed generation in distribution grids.

Abstract
This paper addresses issues concerning the integration of single-phase charging devices for electric vehicles (EV) in low-voltage microgrids Fast release energy storage is a key issue for microgrid islanding operation. EV batteries provide an additional storage capacity, which can now be exploited in order to improve MG islanding Aiming to do so, different control strategies were developed and tested (1) a local control approach where no communication link is required and (2) a centralized charging control solution The local control approach is based on the measuring of EV terminal voltage and frequency in order to define the charging or discharging rates of the batteries The centralized control strategy allows balancing single-phase loads connected to the microgrid by adapting the charging rates of the EV storage devices. Simulation results show that EV batteries can actively contribute for voltage balancing and frequency control during islanding operating conditions

Abstract
This paper presents a decentralized architecture for the islanding operation of distribution grids with large volume of distributed generation. This architecture involves the definition of network blocks which share the responsibility of frequency control. The control block abstraction was particularly designed to support the transition from regular grids to smart grids. In addition, the control schemes were developed using an agent-based paradigm. Hence, an agent-based simulation platform was implemented using libraries from the Java Agent Development Framework (JADE). The control schemes were evaluated using a test system with different sorts of distributed energy resources and modeled in the EUROSTAG environment. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the control architecture when different failure events are applied to the test system.

Abstract
The Smart Grid vision along with the future deployment of Electric Vehicles presents numerous challenges in terms of grid infrastructure, communication, and control. In this context, Advanced Metering Infrastructure solutions are envisioned to be the active management link between utilities and consumers. This paper presents a survey of potential AMI functionalities particularly developed to foster the large scale deployment of EV in Smart Grids. For this accomplishment, the concepts of Automated Meter Reading, Automatic Meter Management and Smart Metering are revisited. Furthermore, different EV charging approaches are outlined and included in the functionalities under the Vehicle-To-Grid framework. Finally, AMI use cases are described under the Vehicle-to-Home perspective.