Abstract
This paper presents a hybrid evolutionary intelligent approach, based on a combination of evolutionary particle swarm optimization (EPSO) with an adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), for short-term wind power forecasting in Portugal. The increased integration of wind power into the electric grid, as nowadays occurs in Portugal, poses challenges due to its intermittency and volatility. Hence, good forecasting tools are important for tackling these challenges. The accuracy of the wind power forecasting attained with the proposed approach is evaluated, reporting the numerical results from a real-world case study. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
This study proposes a stochastic mixed-integer linear programming approach to maximise the total expected profit of a price-maker Hydro Generating Company. Start-up and shutdown procedures, discrete hydro unit-commitment constraints, ramp rates, minimum and maximum power output constraints, and head effects, are all taken into account in an efficacious way. Uncertainties are modelled considering sets of scenarios to describe the residual demand curves. The proposed approach is successfully applied to a Portuguese hydro system in cascaded configuration. Conclusions are duly drawn.

Abstract
This paper presents assumptions concerning the computer program LPS 2008 developed in Visual Basic by the authors. This program was specially designed for protection of wind power plants, but is enough general to be applied to other structures and services. The program runs over AutoCAD and performs risk assessment on a structure or on a service due to lightning flashes to earth. Our program is a three dimensional one and is based on the Rolling Sphere Method. LPS 2008 marks the vulnerable points on a structure, taking into account the most recent international standards.

Abstract
The implementation of a renewed electrical grid is urgent and it must be flexible, reliable, efficient and manageable. In this context, sensors and actuators play an important part, thus being the "nerve cells" of the grid. The ZigBee standard is receiving an increased acceptance by the industry and is experiencing a fast implementation. Hence, several new field tests are presented in this paper in order to study the implementation challenges of different sensor systems, especially wireless ZigBee devices installation approaches in distributed generation sites for monitoring, management and control. Finally, conclusions are duly drawn.

Abstract
The wind power generation is experiencing a rapid growth, achieving the highest number of European installations in 2010 comparing to other renewable sources. The need for a smarter grid capable of integrating several decentralized sources of energy and the increasing need for energy in urban areas, has led to an increase interest in wind turbines for the urban areas. In these environments, vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) have several advantages over horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT), namely: their ability to operate closer to the ground; their insensitivity to yaw wind directions; the smaller number of components; the operation at low sound emissions; the ability to generate energy from wind in skew flow. One problem with the lift-type VAWT (Darrieus wind turbines) is their natural inability to self-start at low wind speeds without extra components. Hence, a new blade profile for Darrieus type VAWT is presented in this paper, capable to self-start at low wind speeds. A methodology is developed to compare the new blade profile with other known airfoils. Finally, conclusions are duly drawn.

Abstract
This paper develops a computational tool, based on two-stage stochastic programming, for a wind power producer bidding in the electricity market. The uncertainty related to electricity market prices and wind power production is taken into account. A hybrid intelligent technique, combining wavelet transform, particle swarm optimization and adaptive-networkbased fuzzy inference system, enables the generation of scenarios. Besides, risk aversion is considered using the conditional value-at-risk methodology. Computer simulation results are provided and analyzed. Finally, conclusions are duly drawn.