Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive sensitivity analysis to identify the uncertain parameters which significantly influence the decision-making process in distributed generation (DG) investments and quantify their degree of influence. To perform the analysis, a DG investment planning model is formulated as a novel multistage and multiscenario optimization problem. Moreover, to ensure tractability and make use of exact solution methods, the entire problem is kept as a mixed-integer linear programming optimization. A real-world distribution network system is used to carry out the analysis. The results of the analysis generally show that uncertainty as well as operational variability of the considered parameters have meaningful impacts on investment decisions of DG. The degree of influence varies from one parameter to another. But, in general, ignoring or inadequately considering uncertainty and variability in model parameters has a quantifiable cost. Hence, the analysismade in this paper can be very useful to identify the most relevant model parameters that need special attention in planning practices.

Abstract
This paper explores different modelling techniques for representing electrochemical energy storage devices in insular power grid applications. Particular attention is given to Thevenin based and not Thevenin based models. A case study involving two insular power systems with renewable generation are used to stand out the performance of the selected battery technologies: Lithium-ion (Li-ion), Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lead Acid.

Abstract
This paper presents a home area network (HAN)-based domestic load energy consumption monitoring prototype device as part of an advanced metering system (AMS). This device can be placed on individual loads or configured to measure several loads as a whole. The wireless communication infrastructure is supported on IEEE 805.12.04 radios that run a ZigBee stack. Data acquisition concerning load energy transit is processed in real time and the main electrical parameters are then transmitted through a RF link to a wireless terminal unit, which works as a data logger and as a human-machine interface. Voltage and current sensing are implemented using Hall effect principle-based transducers, while C code is developed on two 16/32-bit microcontroller units (MCUs). The main features and design options are then thoroughly discussed. The main contribution of this paper is that the proposed metering system measures the reactive energy component through the Hilbert transform for low cost measuring device systems.

Abstract
During the last few years an increasing focus has been made by the research community in utilizing wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in an abundant variety of different applications. Such types of sensor networks are usually supplied by non-rechargeable batteries in order to reduce the expenses. Multi-hop wireless sensor networks frequently utilize a time-division multiple-access (TDMA) plan with the purpose to systematically gather data from various positions of an extended region. The proposed access methods for the Medium Access Control (MAC) in this study combine hybrid proprieties. The proposed MAC specifies that in a given time interval the access to the medium has to be entirely free and without restrictions between the exterior nodes. While this event lasts, the nodes compete for a slot in the network. The proposed methodology corresponds to time-division hybrid multiple-access (TDHMA).

Abstract
Alongside significant advantages which come through large scale integration of wind power into the grid, it imposes some essential challenges on Independent System Operators (ISOs) performance. The stochastic nature of wind power causes technical and economic impacts on power system operation. As one of the highly-flexible and low-cost solutions, demand response (DR) resources are expected to be helpful for reducing integration problems. In this regard, this paper proposes a stochastic energy and reserve scheduling framework that includes DR resources. The proposed market clearing formulation contains network constraints and considers economical, technical and environmental aspects. In order to investigate the role of DR in the improvement of wind power integration, a new index is proposed in the paper. The IEEE-RTS is selected as a test system to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed stochastic scheduling model in wind integration.

Abstract
Evaluating the impact related to stochastic wind generation and generic storage on economic dispatch in distribution system operation is an important issue in power systems. This paper presents the analysis of the impacts of high wind power and storage participation on a distribution system over a period of 24 h using grid reconfiguration for electrical distribution system (EDS) radial operation. In order to meet this objective, a stochastic mixed integer linear programming (SMILP) is proposed, where the balance between load and generation has to be satisfied minimizing the expected cost during the operation period. The model also considers distributed generation (DG) represented by wind scenarios and conventional generation, bus loads represented through a typical demand profile, and generic storage. A case study provides results for a weakly meshed distribution network with 70 buses, describing in a comprehensive manner the effects of stochastic wind scenarios and storage location on distribution network parameters, voltage, substation behavior as well as power losses, and the expected cost of the system.