Abstract
In recent years, sustainable power supply has become a necessary asset for the daily survival and development of populations. The incentive to the use of renewable energies has been increasing worldwide. Solar energy, in particular, is widespreading fast in countries whose location allows to obtain excellent radiation conditions. In this work, autonomous photovoltaic (PV) systems are studied, having as main aim its application in the supply of urban loads. For this purpose, a PV system is designed to supply the decorative lighting of a monument. Particular emphasis is given to studying the behavior of the energy storage system. The achieved results demonstrate that the use of this type of systems is a very efficient solution for the municipalities to supply several urban loads such as fountains, traffic lights, decorative lighting, among others.

Abstract
Currently, there is increasing implementation of renewable energy communities, where consumers and producers come together to form energy cooperatives. This growing trend has been accompanied by several studies aiming to optimize energy exchanges and sharing inside the community, always taking into account the most favorable tariff regimes for community members. This paper presents an analysis that, based on applying a linear programming model, optimizes energy transactions in a renewable energy community with the integration of storage systems. The results show the developed model's effectiveness, presenting substantial profits for the community.

Abstract
Power systems have been through deep changes in recent years, namely with the operation of competitive electricity markets in the scope and the increasingly intensive use of renewable energy sources and distributed generation. This requires new business models able to cope with the new opportunities that have emerged. Virtual Power Players (VPPs) are a new player type which allows aggregating a diversity of players (Distributed Generation (DG), Storage Agents (SA), Electrical Vehicles (V2G) and consumers), to facilitate their participation in the electricity markets and to provide a set of new services promoting generation and consumption efficiency, while improving players` benefits. A major task of VPPs is the remuneration of generation and services (maintenance, market operation costs and energy reserves), as well as charging energy consumption. This paper proposes a model to implement fair and strategic remuneration and tariff methodologies, able to allow efficient VPP operation and VPP goals accomplishment in the scope of electricity markets.

Abstract
This paper deals with some disturbances that reach the electric power systems. These problems originated some interest due to the changes of the electric loads characteristics, which were predominantly electromechanical and today are predominantly non-linear. This is due to the electronic systems involved. Results of some measurements performed in electric grid of the Oporto Engineering Faculty Campus and in the University of Vila Real (UTAD) are presented and some solutions that had been implemented for the related problems minimization are also described.

Abstract
Electrical Power Quality represents a challenging as much as attracting research topic nowadays, with consequences to all economic areas. Here, we studied the alternatives for reactive compensation in a residential low-voltage distribution grid using the Alternative Transient Program (ATP-EMTP). We developed a simulation model based on the results obtained from field measurements in a low voltage residential distribution grid with non-linear loads. We employed capacitors in different strategic places throughout the grid and changed their configurations, aiming to evaluate the technical viability of the application of reactive compensation. In this way, we investigated a methodology for the optimization of reactive compensation in secondary distribution grids, based on different solutions, in order to improve the voltage profile throughout the grid, as well as the technical losses that occur in a grid of this type. Next, we compared the simulated results with the field measurements. This analysis revealed that both approaches produced similar results, validating the simulation model. We therefore conclude that this model effectively reproduces the real linear and non-linear loads of the residential distribution grid and is suitable to be used in future studies. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
Power-Quality (PQ) is a crucial competitive and developing factor to all economic areas. The economic impact resulting from a bad PQ will be drastic to all consumers. Computers, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), commuted power sources and fluorescent lamps/tubes are examples of nonlinear loads that have for main drawback the consumption of non-sinusoidal current. This paper presents a useful computer tool that can simulate and predict the behavior of non-linear loads and LV power systems with main focus on residential electrical grids. The paper also reviews some of the basic concepts and techniques related with power quality parameters and how they can be computed and presented in the simulation tool. The tool has an easy-to-use, friendly interface, and can be used as a tool to teach design techniques or as a laboratory to study the applicability of methods to real situations. The students can do simulations with their own data on Microsoft™ Windows® based platforms. © 2011 IEEE.