Abstract
MicroGrids comprise low voltage distribution systems with distributed energy sources, storage devices and controllable loads, operated interconnected with the main power grid or autonomously, in a controlled coordinated way. Storage devices are absolutely essential for MicroGrid autonomous operation. However, depending on the operating conditions, their limited storage capacity is a major drawback and might compromise successful MicroGrid islanded operation. In this paper is proposed an index to evaluate MicroGrids security regarding an unplanned transition to islanded operation due to disturbances in the upstream Medium Voltage network. An Artificial Neural Network tool is proposed to forecast the security index for a credible range of operating scenarios. The usage of Artificial Neural Networks is emphasized due to its computational speed for on-line performance and its flexibility for providing corrective actions for insecure operating conditions in order to achieve a seamless transition from interconnected to islanded operation. © 2007 IEEE.

Abstract
In this paper a typical electricity distribution network for a residential area in Portugal is used in order to assess the impact of integrating different levels of pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the grid and in pollutants emissions. First, the amount of vehicles that can be safely accommodated in the grid will be determined. Second, changes in pollutants emissions will be evaluated, by applying a vehicle full life cycle analysis.

Abstract
This paper describes a statistical approach developed for assessing the impacts resulting from EV presence in a given electricity network was developed. The algorithm, developed for this purpose, is based on a Monte Carlo method and can be seen as a planning tool that allows obtaining average values for several system indexes, like buses voltages, branches loading and energy losses. Additionally, it also allows identifying the most critical operation scenarios and the network components that are subjected to more demanding conditions and that might need to be upgraded. The example of a small grid from one of the Azores islands, Flores Island, was used for illustration purposes and two scenarios of EV integration were considered: 25% and 50% of the current light vehicles fleet replaced by EV. ©2010 IEEE.

Abstract
This paper proposes a new methodology for coordinated voltage support in distribution networks with large integration of distributed generation and microgrids. Given the characteristics of the LV networks, it is shown that traditional control strategies using only reactive power control may not be sufficient in order to perform efficient voltage control. Therefore, microgeneration shedding must also be employed, especially in scenarios with extreme microgeneration penetration. An optimisation tool based on a meta-heuristic approach was developed to address the voltage control problem. In addition, neural networks were employed in order to decrease computational time, thus enabling the use of the tool for online operation. The results obtained revealed good performance of this control approach.

Abstract
In this paper, a proposal for an ancillary services (AS) market framework addressing voltage control in multi-microgrid systems is presented. This var market proposal for MV distribution systems can be adopted to involve Distributed Generation (DG) units and microgrids in AS provision. In the approach that was developed each player is given the opportunity to submit its bid to the var market and the market settlement is performed using an Optimal Power Flow (OPF) formulation in order to minimize the price of reactive power purchased by the Distribution System Operator (DSO). This market is based on var capacity use and runs daily after the scheduling of the generation units for a period of operation of one clay.

Abstract
This paper describes an operational optimization strategy to be adopted at the wind park control level, that enables defining the commitment of wind turbines and their active and reactive power outputs following requests from wind Park Dispatch Centers, assuming that individual wind turbines short-term wind speed forecasts ate known and are expressed as power availability. This operational strategy was also developed with a concern on the minimization of the connection/disconnection changes of the individual wind generators. fora given time horizon. When identifying the active/reactive dispatching policies, wind generators loading capabilities are also taken in account. This optimization tool is especially suited to manage large wind parks.