Abstract
The decarbonization of the economy, for which the contribution of power systems is significant, is a growing trend in Europe and in the world. In order to achieve the Paris Agreement's ambitious environmental goals, a substantial increase in the contribution of renewable sources to the energy generation mix is required. This trend brings about relevant challenges as the integration of this type of sources increases, namely in terms of the distribution system operation. In this paper, the challenges foreseen for future power systems are identified and the most effective approaches to deal with them are reviewed. The strategies include the development of Smart Grid technologies (meters, sensors, and actuators) coupled with computational intelligence that act as new sources of data, as well as the connection of distributed energy resources to distribution grids, encompassing the deployment of distributed generation and storage systems and the dissemination of electric vehicles. The impact of these changes in the distribution system as a whole is evaluated from a technical and environmental perspective. In addition, a review of management and control architectures designed for distribution systems is conducted. This article is categorized under: Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy

Abstract
In order to avoid voltage problems derived from the connection of large amounts of renewable-based generation to the electrical distribution system, new advanced tools need to be developed that are able to exploit the presence of Distributed Energy Resources (DER). This paper describes the approach proposed for a predictive voltage control algorithm to be used in Low Voltage (LV) distribution networks in order to make use of available flexibilities from domestic consumers via their Home Energy Management System (HEMS) and more traditional resources from the Distribution System Operator (DSO), such as transformers with On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC) and storage devices. The proposed algorithm-the Low Voltage Control (LVC)-is detailed in this paper. The algorithm was tested through simulation using a real Portuguese LV network and real consumption and generation data, in order to evaluate its performance in preparation for a field-trial validation in a Portuguese smart grids pilot.

Abstract
Energy efficiency in buildings can be enhanced by several actions: encouraging users to comprehend and then adopt more energy-efficient behaviors; aiding building managers in maximizing energy savings; and using automation to optimize energy consumption, generation, and storage of controllable and flexible devices without compromising comfort levels and indoor air-quality parameters. This paper proposes an integrated Information and communications technology (ICT) based platform addressing all these factors. The gamification platform is embedded in the ICT platform along with an interactive energy management system, which aids interested stakeholders in optimizing "when and at which rate" energy should be buffered and consumed, with several advantages, such as reducing peak load, maximizing local renewable energy consumption, and delivering more efficient use of the resources available in individual buildings or blocks of buildings. This system also interacts with an automation manager and a users' behavior predictor application. The work was developed in the Horizon 2020 FEEdBACk (Fostering Energy Efficiency and BehAvioral Change through ICT) project.

Abstract
The evolution of the electrical power sector due to the advances in digitalization, decarbonization and decentralization has led to the increase in challenges within the current distribution network. Therefore, there is an increased need to analyze the impact of the smart grid and its implemented solutions in order to address these challenges at the earliest stage, i.e., during the pilot phase and before large-scale deployment and mass adoption. Therefore, this paper presents the scalability and replicability analysis conducted within the European project InteGrid. Within the project, innovative solutions are proposed and tested in real demonstration sites (Portugal, Slovenia, and Sweden) to enable the DSO as a market facilitator and to assess the impact of the scalability and replicability of these solutions when integrated into the network. The analysis presents a total of three clusters where the impact of several integrated smart tools is analyzed alongside future large scale scenarios. These large scale scenarios envision significant penetration of distributed energy resources, increased network dimensions, large pools of flexibility, and prosumers. The replicability is analyzed through different types of networks, locations (country-wise), or time (daily). In addition, a simple replication path based on a step by step approach is proposed as a guideline to replicate the smart functions associated with each of the clusters.

Abstract
This study presents Integrid’s project framework to manage low voltage (LV) electrical networks, aiming to avoid both technical and quality constraints, induced by the ever-increasing amount of flexible resources spread all over the grid. These assets cover a large amount of renewable-based energy generation to electrical vehicles and energy storage units. For this to be possible, new advanced tools were developed to exploit the benefits of the so-called distributed energy resources, while overcoming limitations on the metering and communication infrastructures. Hence, this study describes the approach taken to perform the active management of LV networks, without a perfect level of observability, exploiting the flexibility provided by the distribution system operator’s resources combined with the one offered by private consumers through the home energy management systems. Additionally, some results followed by a brief discussion are presented, enforcing the success of the developed tools. The algorithms within these tools allow to forecast both microgeneration, available flexibility and load profiles, as well as to estimate the network’s state, at different time frames.

Abstract
Self-healing (SH) functions have been studied through pilots on E-REDES Medium Voltage (MV) network with positive results. The natural next step would be to apply the SH concept to Low Voltage (LV) networks. However, LV and MV networks have distinct characteristics (criticality, capillarity, complexity, energy distributed by km of network, technology, etc.). The economic criteria that justify SH on MV network are not applicable to LV networks. This article presents and discusses several challenges related to implement SH to LV networks and other aspects to be considered. The SH concept is discussed when applied to LV network. Also, the advantages that operational management can achieve with this concept available on daily operations. Other big challenge is the technology evolution that must occur on sensors and, most of all, actuators, to accommodate automatisms and to be remotely monitored and controlled. Also, a telecommunication solution needs to be established to support the real-time interaction between all the components. Last, but not least, the economic aspect. How and when can an extra cost be justifiable on a network that didn't felt the necessity to be automated for so many years. Should we start to consider it now? Two use-cases are proposed. © 2021 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.