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

Abstract
In a competitive energy market environment, the procedure for fair loss allocation constitutes a matter of considerable importance. This task is often based on rough principles, given the difficulties on the practical implementation of a fairest process. This paper proposes a methodology based on neural networks for the distribution of power distribution losses among the loads. The process is based on the knowledge of load profiles and on the usual consumption measures. Simulations ere carried out for a typical MV network, with an extensive variety of load scenarios. For each scenario, losses were calculated and distributed by the consumers. The allocation criterion is established assuming a distribution proportional to the squared power. Finally, a neural network is trained in order to obtain a fast and accurate losses allocation. Illustrative results support the feasibility of the proposed methodology.

Abstract
Classifying consumers, namely LV consumers, in order to assign them typical load diagrams, was always a concern of the electric utilities, which used this kind of information to better manage their distribution networks. Now, with the transition to a completely open market, the need for settlement between distribution operators and traders requires hourly consumption records that are not generally available, so deriving load diagrams for LV consumers is a mandatory task. This paper presents a new methodology for this purpose that uses typical diagrams obtained in measurement campaigns to create classes defined in the commercial information space that maximize the compactness of the diagrams in each class. The methodology was developed in a project with EDP (the Portuguese distribution operator) and the result will probably be adopted by the regulatory authority. © 2005 ISAP.

Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of committing electric power generators (unit commitment, UC), considering network constraints. Design/methodology/approach - The UC is first solved with a local search based meta-heuristic, following the assumption that all generators and loads are connected to a single network node. For evaluation purposes, the economical production levels of the units committed are computed by running a pre-dispatch algorithm where network constraints are not included. If a good quality solution is reached, an economic dispatch (ED) with network constraints is performed, where the geographic location of generators and loads are considered. Therefore, the production level of each committed generator is performed that leads to the global lowest solution cost, regarding both the generators' costs and constraints and the power system network constraints. Findings - The algorithm proposed is computationally efficient, given the time available for decision making. In addition, the solution for this algorithm, in terms of minimization of total costs, is generally better than the solution of the two phases approach. Some contractual and legal aspects related with the injection in network connections can also be included in the model. Practical implications - UC with network constraints has a large potential of use, especially for small and medium size power systems. It reflects reality in a closer way and provides a more complete and realistic knowledge about the system in operation. Originality/value - The paper presents an approach where theED with network constraints is integrated with the UC procedure. The model described is currently implemented in an EMS package offered in the market - making it a case of successful transfer from science to industry.

Abstract
The paper presents a method for the analysis and design of industrial production systems based on a joint assessment of the cost and the quality of service. The operation of a production system is seen as the accomplishment of a sequence of missions, each one corresponding to the cost-effective production and delivery of a specified quantity of products within a specified time frame. The paper shows that the probability of successfully accomplishing a mission is a non-linear function of the cumulative production downtime and that this time cannot be obtained using conventional Markov based techniques. The paper also introduces an analytical model and a procedure that allows the density function of the downtime to be obtained and shows how, using these tools, the production costs and the quality of service may be assessed and related to the internal design of the shop floor. The method seems to be particularly valuable in the analysis of production systems integrated in just-in-time supply chains, in which the reliability of the deliveries is an outstanding requirement.

Abstract
This paper describes the methodology and results obtained in the studies developed for deriving loss profiles for the Portuguese electricity market. For each voltage level (LV, MV, HV and VHV) the losses were distributed by the corresponding global load diagram, proportionally to the square of the hourly consumption. Transformer losses are assigned to the consumers of voltage levels equal or smaller to the secondary voltage. Loss profiles (like load profiles) were developed for each specific year, with its calendar particularities, and the global energy balance expected for that year. A subsequent product of the adopted methodology is the set of loss factors, which are directly driven from these profiles. The methodology was developed in a project with EDP (the Portuguese distribution system operator) and the result was approved by the regulatory authority that adopted the proposed loss profiles for market use.