Abstract
In response to the soaring energy crisis and the related pollution problems worldwide, it is essential to apply new technologies that use renewable energy sources in both an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. In this way, biomass offers one of the largest potential among renewable energy sources. The aim of this work is to demonstrate a novel fuzzy-based methodology for selecting hybrid energy systems fuelled by biogas. Fuzzy multi-rules and fuzzy multi-sets are used to evaluate the main operational characteristics of five types of renewable sources fuelled by biogas. The possibility of using the methodology for energy storage system evaluation is also assessed. The construction of the fuzzy multirules and fuzzy multi-sets is based on the following methods: Mamdani (fuzzification process), Max-Min (inference process), and Center of Gravity (defuzzification process). Several criteria are used: costs, efficiency, cogeneration, life-cycle, technical maturity, power application range, and environmental impacts. The methodology considers three different settings with two different constraints: costs and environment. One of the most relevant aspects presented by this work is about the previous classification of the criteria. It was created according to the different relevance observed among the attributes. The purpose of the proposed arrangement is to facilitate the understanding of the methodology and to increase the possibility of incorporating the decision makers' preferences on the decision-aid process. These aspects are essential to strengthen the final decision. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.

Abstract
fischeri Background: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) combines light, a light-absorbing molecule that initiates a photochemical or photophysical reaction, and oxygen. The combined action of these three components originates reactive oxygen species that lead to microorganisms' destruction. The aim was to evaluate the efficiency of PACT on Vibrio fischeri: 1) with buffer solution, varying temperature, pH, salinity and oxygen concentration values; 2) with aquaculture water, to reproduce photoinactivation (PI) conditions in situ. Methodology/Principal Findings: To monitor the PI kinetics, the bioluminescence of V. fischeri was measured during the experiments. A tricationic meso-substituted porphyrin (Tri-Py(+)-Me-PF) was used as photosensitizer (5 mu M in the studies with buffer solution and 10-50 mu M in the studies with aquaculture water); artificial white light (4 mW cm(-2)) and solar irradiation (40 mW cm(-2)) were used as light sources; and the bacterial concentration used for all experiments was approximate to 10(7) CFU mL(-1) (corresponding to a bioluminescence level of 10(5) relative light units - RLU). The variations in pH (6.5-8.5), temperature (10-25 degrees C), salinity (20-40 g L(-1)) and oxygen concentration did not significantly affect the PI of V. fischeri, once in all tested conditions the bioluminescent signal decreased to the detection limit of the method (approximate to 7 log reduction). The assays using aquaculture water showed that the efficiency of the process is affected by the suspended matter. Total PI of V. fischeri in aquaculture water was achieved under solar light in the presence of 20 mu M of Tri-Py(+)-Me-PF. Conclusions/Significance: If PACT is to be used in environmental applications, the matrix containing target microbial communities should be previously characterized in order to establish an efficient protocol having into account the photosensitizer concentration, the light source and the total light dose delivered. The possibility of using solar light in PACT to treat aquaculture water makes this technology cost-effective and attractive.

Abstract
This paper presents a discrete approach, based on an improved integer version of the evolutionary particle swarm optimization (EPSO) algorithm, to solve the dynamic transmission expansion planning (TEP) problem. TEP corresponds to a mixed integer optimization problem that typically aims at identifying a schedule for transmission additions along an extended planning horizon considering operation and investment costs as well as a reliability index to measure the ability the system has to convey electricity from generation to consumers. After detailing the mathematical formulation of the TEP problem, this paper describes the enhanced EPSO algorithm and details its application to the TEP problem. The paper also includes a Case Study based on the IEEE 24 bus / 38 branch system to illustrate the application of the developed procedure.

Abstract
This paper analyses and discusses the current situation in Portugal and in Spain regarding the procurement and the supply of the ancillary services considered in the Codes for the Operation of these two power systems. This is relevant because Portugal and Spain share a common day ahead and bilateral contract electricity market since 2007. However, several technical activities as the procurement and the provision of Ancillary Services are not yet entirely harmonized and fully integrated and continue to be provided within the control area of each country. Accordingly, this paper discusses three possible approaches that the two TSO's can adopt to further enlarge this integration. Then, tertiary reserve is taken as an example to illustrate the advantages that can be obtained if it is used a common list of bids from the two countries. The Case Study analyses four situations including the present mechanisms used to procure tertiary reserve, as well as the use of a common bid list admitting different values for the capacity of the interconnection lines between the two countries. Based on these results, the paper provides a discussion on the mentioned three integration models addressing their advantages and practical difficulties. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
This paper reviews the concepts and the solution algorithm of the Fuzzy DC OPF problem admitting generation costs and load values modeled by fuzzy numbers and details the integration of this problem in the Monte Carlo simulation model. In this sense, the paper describes an hybrid approach in which generation cost and demand uncertainties are represented by fuzzy numbers and the life cycle of the system components is modeled by probabilistic approaches. On this topic, the paper addresses the sampling procedure, the analysis of sampled states, the convergence testing and the computation of the expected values of the system Power Not Supplied and system risk indices. Finally, the paper includes results based on the IEEE 24 bus/38 branch test system to illustrate the proposed approach. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
This paper describes a long-term simulation model to help generation companies building expansion plans. Different from the past, the generation activity is now provided under competition, and investments are affected by uncertainties and by the decisions of other players. This paper describes the use of System Dynamics to model the evolution of the demand and of the electricity price along the planning horizon. These evolutions will then be used by individual agents to prepare their own expansion plans. These plans will globally have to comply with general constraints, typically present in Grid Codes, as for instance, a maximum value for an adequacy index as LOLE. This model and the corresponding solution algorithm will be illustrated using a Case Study to illustrate the use of the developed approach to build the expansion plans and to conduct sensitivity studies.