Abstract
The increased integration of wind power into the electric grid, as nowadays occurs in Portugal, poses new challenges because of its intermittency and volatility. Hence, good forecasting tools play a key role in tackling these challenges. In this study, a hybrid intelligent approach is proposed for short-term wind power forecasting in Portugal. The proposed approach is based on the wavelet transform and a hybrid of neural networks and fuzzy logic. Results from a real-world case study are presented. A thorough comparison is carried out, taking into account the results obtained with other approaches. Conclusions are duly drawn.

Abstract
An increased interest in vertical axis wind turbines has been stimulated by the rapid growth of wind power generation and by the need for a smarter electrical grid with a decentralized energy generation, especially in the urban areas. The lift type vertical axis wind turbines (Darrieus wind turbine) performance prediction is a very complex task, since its blades move around the rotor axis in a three dimensional aerodynamic environment that lead to several flow phenomena, such as, dynamic stall, flow separation, flow wake deformations and their natural inability to self-start. These issues can be overcome with the use of several more or less complex solutions, being one of them the development of a blade profile capable of making the wind turbines self-start. This paper focuses on presenting a new methodology for fast development of new blade profiles, for self-start capable Darrieus wind turbines, which is a complex and time-consuming task.

Abstract
This paper presents data of the actual installed electric power capacity for the renewable energy power systems in Portugal. Also, this paper presents a contribution consisting in a modulation strategy for simulation of a wind energy system with different topologies for power converters, consisting on a matrix and a two-level converter. Although more complex, this modulation strategy is justified for more accurate results.

Abstract
This paper is on wind energy conversion systems with full-power converter and permanent magnet synchronous generator. Different topologies for the power-electronic converters are considered, namely two-level and multilevel converters. Also, a new fractional-order control strategy is proposed for the variable-speed operation of the wind turbines. Simulation studies are carried out in order to adequately assess the quality of the energy injected into the electrical grid. Conclusions are duly drawn.

Abstract
The increased integration of wind power into the electric grid, as nowadays occurs in Portugal, poses new challenges due to its intermittency and volatility. Hence, good forecasting tools play a key role in tackling these challenges. In this paper, a neuro-fuzzy approach is proposed for short-term wind power forecasting in Portugal. Results from a real-world case study are presented. A thorough comparison is carried out, taking into account the results obtained with other approaches. Conclusions are duly drawn.

Abstract
This paper is concerned with lightning surge propagation on wind turbines. As wind power generation undergoes rapid growth, lightning incidents involving wind turbines have come to be regarded as a serious problem. Nevertheless, no known studies exist yet in Portugal regarding lightning protection of wind turbines. Hence, we present a case study, based on a wind turbine with an interconnecting transformer, for the analysis of lightning surges. Computer simulations obtained by using the EMTP-RV code are presented. Conclusions are duly drawn.