Abstract
This work presents a methodology to segment the MV electric grid into grid zones for which the active power flexibility needs that solve the forecasted voltage and current issues are computed. This methodology enables the Distribution System Operator (DSO) to publish flexibility needs per zones, allowing aggregators to offer flexibility by optimizing their portfolio of resources in each grid zone. A case study is used to support the methodology results and its performance, showing the feasibility of solving grid issues by activating flexibility per grid zones according to the proposed methodology. © 2022 IEEE.

Abstract
EUniversal project aims to facilitate the use of flexibility services and interlink distribution system's active management with electricity markets. Implementing market-based flexibility services implies a change in distribution network monitoring and control towards a more predictive approach. However, integrating cost-effective monitoring and control tools for the LV network is still quite challenging. Within the project, a set of operation and planning tools have been developed for a coordinated quantification and activation of flexibility in HV, MV and LV distribution networks. The paper presents the tools developed for the Portuguese pilot and shows preliminary results obtained when considering network operation scenarios characterized by large scale integration of DER and EV.

Abstract
This paper proposes an energy community management system for local energy sharing with grid flexibility services to solve the potential grid constraints of the local distribution network. A three-stage model is proposed. Stage 1 is the individual minimization of the energy bill of each prosumer by optimizing the schedules of its battery. The second stage optimizes the energy bill of the energy community by sharing internally the prosumers energy surplus and re-dispatching their batteries, while guaranteeing that each new individual prosumer energy bill is always equal or less than its stage 1 bill. The third stage is performed by the DSO to solve the grid constraints by re-dispatching the batteries, curtailing local generation or reducing consumption. Stage 3 minimizes the impact on stage 2 by minimizing the loss of profit or utility of every prosumer which is compensated accordingly.

Abstract
Local flexibility markets are a promising solution to aid system operators in managing the network as it faces the growth of distributed resources and the resulting impacts on voltage control, among other factors. This paper presents and simulates a proposal for an intra-day local flexibility market based on grid segmentation. The design provides a market-based solution for distribution system operators (DSOs) to address near-real-time grid issues. The grid segmentation computes the virtual buses that represent each zone and the sensitivity indices that approximate the impact of activating active power flexibility in the buses within the zone. This approach allows DSOs to manage and publish their flexibility needs per zone and enables aggregators to offer flexibility by optimizing their resource portfolios per zone. The simulation outcomes allow for the assessment of market performance according to the number of zones computed and show that addressing overloading and voltage control through zonal approaches can be cost-effective and counterbalance minor errors compared to node-based approaches.

Abstract
The European Union is pushing its members states to implement regulations that incentivize distribution system operators to procure flexibility to enhance grid operation and planning. Since flexibility should be obtained using market-based solutions, when possible, flexibility market platforms become essential tools to harness consumer-side flexibility, supporting its procurement, trading, dispatch, and settlement. These reasons have led to the appearance of multiple flexibility market platforms with different structure and functionalities. This work provides a comprehensive description of the main flexibility platforms operating in Europe and provides a concise review of the platform main characteristics and functionalities, including their user segment, flexibility trading procedures, settlement processes, and flexibility products supported.

Abstract
Taking advantage of the flexibility of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) can help improve distribution network efficiency, reliability and resilience. EUniversal project aims to facilitate the use of flexibility services and interlink active system management of distribution system operators with electricity markets. congestion management and voltage control have been identified has the most relevant needs, within different operation timeframes, namely: from day, weeks and years ahead. This paper considers long-term flexibility services to support maintenance actions, increasing the periods where is technically possible to perform maintenance actions maintaining security of operation. The methodology developed to schedule planned maintenance actions based on forecasted network profiles, maintenance costs, network reconfiguration capability and flexibility contracted in long-term flexible markets will be presented. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2023.