Abstract
This paper provides a description of a new approach for steady state security evaluation, using fuzzy nearest prototype classifiers, The basic method has an off-line training phase, used to design the fast classifiers for on-line purposes, allowing more than the two traditional security classes. A battery of these fuzzy classifiers, valid for a specific configuration of the network, is adopted to produce a global evaluation for all relevant single Contingencies. An important feature of this approach is that it selects automatically the most appropriate number of security clusters for each selected contingency. Natural language-labeling is also used to produce standardized sentences about the security level of the system, improving in this way the communication process between the system and the operator. The paper is completed by an example on a realistic model of the Hellenic interconnected power system, where seven contingencies were simulated.

Abstract
This work describes an economic analysis of the inclusion of pumped storage in a small island system that has abundant renewable energy available but that at times cannot accept all of this power because of limits imposed by security criteria. The question of whether or how much pumped storage to include is addressed by formulating a linear programming optimization problem. The stochastic nature of load and renewable production is addressed using scenarios developed through fuzzy clustering. Both the unit capacity in MW and the reservoir storage capacity in MWh are optimized, and optimal operating strategies for the scenarios are produced. Results showed that including pumped storage can be an effective means of allowing larger penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources, improving both the dynamic security and the economic operation of a test system. Including the dynamic security criteria in the economic question of dimensioning the pumped storage unit proved to make a significant difference in the optimal pumped storage capacity.

Abstract
This paper presents a Multicriteria Decision Aid methodology for planning energy storage and sustainable mobility, in an isolated system. The objective of this research is to enhance the sustainability of the analyzed case study (São Miguel Island), by comparing a set of alternatives for energy storage and sustainable mobility. The alternatives characterization and evaluation is made through the calculation of meaningful attributes, namely: carbon emissions, overall costs and reliability. An analysis of the most interesting alternatives is also performed. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
Recognizing the benefit that one can get by exploiting the Micro-Grid (MG) concept, as an active part of the Low Voltage (LV) network comprising several micro-generation (mu G) sources, controllable loads and storage devices, is a key issue towards the MG concept deployment. Furthermore, the MG concept is extended into Multi-Micro Grid (MMG) concept, identifying the benefits that can be obtained at Medium Voltage (MV) level. The main idea behind this research is to show what one gains and what one looses by setting up the MG concept. Therefore, the benefits reported, are evaluated through a cost-benefit approach by modeling the problem as a multi-attribute problem using several Decision-Aid (DA) techniques to capture different Decision Maker (DM) preference structures.

Abstract
In this paper, preliminary results from MORE CARE, a European R&D project financed within the Energy Program are described. This project has as main objective the development of an advanced control software system, aiming to optimize the overall performance of isolated and weakly interconnected systems in liberalized market environments by increasing the share of wind energy and other renewable forms, including advanced on-line security functions. The main features of the control system comprise advanced software modules for load and wind power forecasting, unit commitment and economic dispatch of the conventional and renewable units and on-line security assessment capabilities integrated in a friendly Man-Machine environment. Pilot installations of advanced control functions are foreseen on the islands of Crete, Ireland and Madeira. © 2001 IEEE.

Abstract
The concept of microgrid (mu grid) has been emerging as a way to integrate microgeneration (mu G) in LV networks and simultaneously improve its potential benefits. Technical requirements to connect mu grids to LV networks have been studied in order to make this concept technologically feasible and safe to operate. However, the regulatory framework for economic integration of mu G and mu grids on distribution systems, despite being crucial, is still an open issue. The main purpose of this paper is to contribute for the development of an appropriate economic regulation framework that removes the barriers to mu G and mu grid development To do so, the relevant costs and benefits resulting from the establishment of mu G and mu grid are identified and a methodology for sharing those costs and benefits among the involved economic agents is presented. The only pre-requisite of such a methodology is that a net benefit to all economic agents exists, which is the case most of the times. An illustrative example is included