Abstract
The ability of a consumer friendly demand response based voltage control (DR-VC) program to improve the voltage regulation in a low voltage distribution network (LVDN) with high penetration of DG is investigated. The use of active and reactive power management to regulate the nodal voltage in a distribution network with simple incremental reduction algorithm, in conjunction with DR, is proposed as a solution for over voltage and undervoltage issues in the LVDN. The algorithm micromanages the load and generation in the network enabling the operator to utilize grid resources economically and efficiently while maintaining fairness between consumers with minimum inconvenience. The algorithm is tested on a representative. 74-load radial urban distribution network (Dublin, Ireland) using consumer load and DG generation profiles. The system is modelled and analysed using COM interface between OpenDSS and MATLAB. The DR is modelled through a mixed integer linear programming (MILP), implemented in CVX, such that consumer inconvenience is prioritized. The DR-VC algorithm is capable of regulating load and generation within normal operation limits during undervoltage and overvoltage scenarios.

Abstract
Demand Response (DR) is known as an effective solution for many power grid problems such as high operating cost as well as high peak demand. In order to achieve full potential of DR programs, DR must be implemented optimally. On this basis, determining optimal DR location, appropriate DR program and efficient penetration rate for each DR program is of great practical interest due to the fact that it guides the system operators to choose proper DR strategies. This paper presents a novel linear framework for DR optimization problem incorporated into the network-constrained unit commitment with the aim of determining optimal location, type and penetration rate of DR programs considering several practical limitations. To this end, a number of tariff-based and incentive-based DR programs have been taken into account according to the customer's benefit function based on the price elasticity concept. The IEEE 24 bus Reliability Test System (RTS 24-bus) is used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model. Finally, DR optimization is analyzed with regards to different customer's elasticity values and also different number of candidate load buses which reveal the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed methodology.

Abstract
In recent years, virtual power plants (VPPs) rose as an effective framework to aggregate the collective potential of distributed energy resources (DERs), including distributed generation (DG) and energy storage systems (ESS), through demand response (DR) program implementation. In this work, the operation of two indispensable DER assets, electric vehicles (EVs) and photovoltaic-equipped parking lots (PVPLs), is coordinated in an optimal energy management framework, in order to study their possible aggregation as a VPP. The proposed energy management system (EMS) was developed using the optimization and simulation tools, namely GAMS and MATLAB, and is intended for use by grid operators to coordinate the operation of PVPLs and home energy management systems (HEMSs) in the context of smart cities. The developed model was validated and tested by considering real-life case studies in the city of Porto, Portugal.

Abstract
A key challenge for future energy systems is how to minimize the effects of employing demand response (DR) programs on the consumer. There exists a diverse range of consumers with a variety of types of loads, such as must-run loads, and this can reduce the impact of consumer participation in DR programs. Multi-energy systems (MES) can solve this issue and have the capability to reduce any discomfort faced by all types of consumers who are willing to participate in the DRPs. In this paper, the most recent implementations of DR frameworks in the MESs are comprehensively reviewed. The DR modelling approach in such energy systems is investigated and the main contributions of each of these works are included. Notably, the amount of research in MES has rapidly increased in recent years. The majority of the reviewed works consider power, heat and gas systems within the MES. Over three-quarters of the papers investigated consider some form of energy storage system, which shows how important having efficient, cost-effective and reliable energy storage systems will be in the future. In addition, a vast majority of the works also considered some form of demand response programs in their model. This points to the need to make participating in the energy market easier for consumers, as well as the importance of good communication between generators, system operators, and consumers. Moreover, the emerging topics within the area of MES are investigated using a bibliometric analysis to provide insight to other researchers in this area.

Abstract
Grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems are considered as the best options for home solar electric system applications. Compared to other alternatives, grid-connected PV systems offer the least expensive and lowest-maintenance choice for residential usage. The PV systems are constructed using some solar cells to extract the energy from sun radiations and power converters to convert the output DC voltage into AC one. In the present study a hybrid scheme is suggested to control the grid-connected PV converters. The developed scheme is able to inject the power created by solar arrays into the network. Also, it can rectify the problems associated with the reactive power and load harmonics in the system. Moreover, the suggested technique can secure the load active and reactive power during the network failure conditions. One of the contributions of the proposed method is that it can manage the power of solar arrays to supply the load, filter the harmonics and compensate the reactive power in a situation where the power produced by solar arrays is less than the power of converters. In this condition, the proposed technique can make the current drawn from the grid completely sine at unity power factor.

Abstract
Two increasingly popular distributed energy resources (DERs), especially within the European context, are photovoltaic (PV) installations and electric vehicles (EVs). Numerous models have been proposed for optimal management thereof, such as Home Energy Management Systems (HEMSs) and EV parking lot management systems (EVPLMS). However, these approaches are often designed to benefit only one party without taking into account the effect of any other management systems. I.e., HEMSs are designed to only maximize the economic benefit of home owners, while EVPLMSs are designed to only maximize the profit of parking lot owners. In this study, the coordinated use of these systems is modeled and simulated to investigate whether a synergistic relationship exists in which consumers (EV owners) have an added economic benefit by the simultaneous operation of HEMSs and EVPLMSs. As such, a cost-benefit analysis is conducted from the point of view of the EV owners, utilizing a HEMS at home and an EVPLMS at work. The analysis was performed on case studies that are based on real facilities, locations, meteorological data, and electricity market prices in Porto, Portugal.