Abstract
Using Voltage Source Converter (VSC) based High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technologies, in a Multi-terminal dc (MTDC) system, has been envisaged as an attractive solution for connecting the large offshore wind farms that have been planned to meet the EU renewable energy targets. The control and operation of VSC-HVDC technologies comprise a number of challenging tasks, aiming to assure an effective integration of MTDC systems in ac transmission systems. Stability studies play a key role within this framework. Among them, small signal stability analysis is required. Therefore, in this paper, modal analysis is performed for assessing small signal stability, in terms of the electromechanical modes of oscillation, considering the combined AC-MTDC system. Also, this paper evaluates the interest of installing classical Power Systems Stabilizer (PSS) in the onshore VSC stations for providing additional damping to the electromechanical modes of oscillation. Simultaneous tuning is performed for adjusting the parameters of these PSS based controllers. For this purpose, an optimization based approach exploiting Evolutionary Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) is proposed. Modal analysis and time domain simulations are performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.

Abstract

Abstract
This paper proposes a method to determine the availability of loads to provide tertiary Reserve Services (RS) in the framework of Smart Grids. The method uses Physically-Based Load Models (PBLM) and considers the remuneration paid for the RS provision. The concept of availability is also discussed in the paper and the method is applied to three different categories of domestic thermal appliances: electric water heater, air conditioners and refrigerators.

Abstract
This paper presents a new modulation and control strategies for the high-frequency link matrix converter (HFLMC). The proposed method aims to achieve controllable power factor in the grid interface as well as voltage and current regulation for a battery energy storage device. The matrix converter (MC) is a key element of the system, since it performs a direct ac to ac conversion between the grid and the power transformer, dispensing the traditional dc-link capacitors. Therefore, the circuit volume and weight are reduced and a longer service life is expected when compared with the existing technical solutions. A prototype was built to validate the mathematical analysis and the simulation results. Experimental tests developed in this paper show the capability of controling the grid currents in the synchronous reference frame in order to provide grid services. Simultaneously, the battery current is well regulated with small ripple, which makes this converter ideal for battery charging of electric vehicles and energy storage applications.

Abstract
The system of symmetrical components (012-system) can be used to simulate symmetrical and asymmetrical operation of power systems. However, the classical literature of Power Systems Analysis does not present one equivalent circuit in 012-system to two-simultaneous faults where there are a single-line-to-ground fault and a bolted line-to-line fault. This paper presents the equations and the new equivalent circuit mentioned. In addition, we present a comparison of results between the proposed approach and the output of the commercial software ANAFAS, which validates the methodology. We find evidence that the new equivalent circuit developed can substitute the equivalent circuits used to calculate a single line-to-ground fault and a bolted line-to-line fault.

Abstract
This paper addresses the dynamic stability analysis of an islanded power system regarding the installation of a reversible hydro power plant for increasing renewable energy integration. Being a high-head facility, the hydro power plant consists of separated pumps and turbines (Pelton type). In order to properly support the identification of hydro pumps connection requirements and the technology to be used, different options were taken into consideration, namely: fixed speed pumps coupled to induction machines directly connected to the grid and adjustable speed pumps supplied by a drive system. Extensive numerical simulations of the power system's dynamic behaviour response allowed the evaluation of the hydro power plant's role for the purpose of grid stability conditions. These simulations showed that the high head hydro power installation provides a marginal contribution to system frequency regulation when explored in turbine operation mode, leading to a reversible power station with a single penstock. Moreover, due to the significant additional system load introduced by the hydro pumping units, the obtained results clearly indicate that supplementary regulation flexibility is required to attend the need of assuring the stable operation of the system in case of critical disturbances such as grid faults. The study case demonstrates that, although the foreseen operation of a reversible hydro power plant creates new security challenges to overcome in an autonomous power system, robust technical solutions can be identified without increasing, from the local system operator's perspective, the operation complexity of the power system.