Abstract
This paper presents an extensive analysis in relation to transforming electric distribution networks in order to accommodate large quantities of variable renewable energy sources (vRESs). For this purpose, a multi-stage and stochastic mixed integer linear programming (S-MILP) model is employed. The algebraic model developed optimally allocates energy storage systems (ESSs) along with an optimal dynamic distribution network switching. For the analysis, a standard IEEE 119-bus distribution network system was used as a case study. Test results reveal that the joint optimization of ESSs and network reconfiguration markedly increase flexibility in existing systems, leading to an increase in the levels of renewables integration and utilization. Moreover, the analysis of the results shows the prospect of such systems in going fully "carbonfree", i.e. with vRES power entirely meeting system demand. Generally, the current work demonstrates that a more effective integration and utilization of large-scale vRESs is possible when existing systems are equipped with enabling technologies that are already commercially available.

Abstract
The electrification of the transportation area draws significant attention recently regarding mainly the environmental concerns and many vehicle manufacturers have already launched several commercial electrical vehicle (EV) types. The EV parking lots herein play an important role and need further analysis in terms of considering the possible impacts of simultaneous EV charging based extra power demand on distribution systems. In this study, a scenario based analysis of an EV parking lot equipped with a roof-top PV unit is realized in terms of the impacts on various operating conditions in a distribution system. Various scenarios are created for EV charging considering different brands and models of EVs with random initial state-of-energy and arrival time. The variability of the solar radiation during daytime and seasons are also considered. All the aforementioned analyses are conducted in ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyzer Program) environment.

Abstract
Distributed Smart Systems (DSS) should operate and restore discontinued service to consumers. In order to the system gain theses ability it is necessary to replace the manual switches for remotely controlled switches, improving the system restoration capability having in view the Smart Grids implementation. This paper aims to develop a new model, determining the minimal set of switches to replace in order to automate the system, along with a senility analysis on the position of the new switches, whether it should be placed in the same place as the manual switch or in a new location. The optimization of the system is made considering the renewable energy sources (RES) integration in the grid and energy storage systems (ESS), simultaneously, in order to improve the system reliability. The computational tool is tested using the IEEE 119 Bus test system, where different types of loads are considered, residential, commercial and industrial.

Abstract
Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants with thermal energy storage (TES) are emerging renewable technologies with the advantage that TES decreases the uncertainty in the generation of CSP plants. This study introduces a stochastic mixed integer linear programming model, where the objective function is the maximization of the expected profit that can be obtained by selling the energy generated by the CSP plant in the day-ahead electricity market. The proposed model considers three main blocks of constraints, namely, renewable generator constraints, TES constraints, and electricity market constraints. The last category of constraints considers the penalties incurred due to positive or negative imbalances in the balancing market. A case study using data from the Spanish electricity market is introduced, described and analyzed in terms of trading of the CSP plant generation. The conclusions highlight the influence of TES capacity on the energy trading profile, the expected profits and the volatility (risk) in the trading decisions.

Abstract
A single synchronous controller (SSC) technique is proposed in this paper for control of interfaced converters under high penetration of renewable energy resources (RER) into the power grid. The proposed SSC is based on a new dynamic model concerning to the power grid stability (PGS) and modeled based on all features of a synchronous generator (SG), which can properly improve the performance of the power grid in those scenarios in which a large-scale penetration of RERs is considered. Different transfer functions are achieved to assess the high performance of the proposed control technique. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed SSC in the control of the power electronic-based synchronous generator under high penetration of RERs into the power grid.

Abstract
A synchronous generator (SG)-based control technique is proposed in this paper to force the grid voltage magnitude and frequency to follow the desired values under high penetration of renewable energy sources. A more detailed relationship between power dynamic model and SGs characteristics has been considered in the proposed control strategy. The active and reactive power error-based curve of the proposed control technique is evaluated in detail. Besides, the grid angular frequency error based on the proposed control technique performance is assessed in the next step. Simulation is employed in Matlab/Simulink to verify the operation of the proposed control technique in power converters for large-scale integration of renewable energy sources into the power grids.