Abstract
The increase of demand side participation in reserve service (RS) requires the extension of the markets' activity to the millions of consumers present in the residential sector. This paper proposes a method that performs a bottom-up aggregation of residential demand-side flexibility associated with domestic appliances, namely Thermostatically Controlled Loads (TCL). The flexibility profiles provided by each residential consumer are transformed into aggregated reserve bids to be offered in the day ahead tertiary reserve markets. A case study involving 1500 end-users associated with an aggregator bidding in the Portuguese tertiary reserve market will be used to illustrate the method. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Abstract
Smart grids aim at ensuring a secure, reliable and efficient operation of power systems and for that purpose they need communications infrastructures capable of meeting different requirements. Current and emerging wireless multi-hop solutions based on standard technologies are strong candidates for communications networks associated and integrated with electric distribution grids but a suitable methodology to evaluate and deploy them is missing. This paper presents a holistic methodology supported by contextual information used to generate different scenarios of distribution grids and to evaluate and deploy wireless communications networks for smart grids. Simulation results show that the methodology is suitable for the evaluation of wireless multi-hop networks in the smart grid context and prove that the performance of such networks meets the expected requirements of different applications.

Abstract
The operation of remote and isolated or islanded power systems is often very challenging because of their small system inertia. Moreover, economic and environmental pressure has led to an increasing renewable power penetration, particularly in wind generation and solar photovoltaics (PV). Simultaneously, significant technological progress has been made in terms of control capability of grid assets [generators, controllable loads such as electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage systems], mostly exploiting the capabilities of power ?electronics. In this context, several advanced control solutions can be implemented, supporting and improving the robustness of the operation in terms of fast frequency and voltage control responses. In this article, the Portuguese islands are taken as a case study. Within the Madeira archipelago (Porto Santo and Madeira islands), two approaches were envisioned. For Porto Santo Island, the main goal is the sizing of a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) to avoid frequency stability problems. For Madeira Island, the objective relies on the exploitation of hydro resources through the quantification of the technical benefits resulting from variable speed hydro pumping stations that are able to provide primary frequency regulation services in the pump operation mode. In addition, this article also addresses the benefits of introducing EVs in Flores Island in the Azores Archipelago. Finally, to support the development of innovative technological solutions for this type of power system, a laboratory setup based on scaled test systems was also set up and is described. A set of applications was specifically developed for such autonomous power systems. The laboratorial infrastructure allowed the testing of ?solutions and prototypes for hardware and software modules related to those applications. © 2013 IEEE.

Abstract
In the smart grid environment, reserve services (RS) are also expected from the demand side, taking into account the flexibility and availability of loads connected into the grid. This paper proposes a method to calculate the availability of thermal domestic loads for the provision of upward RS, considering some aspects regarding the constructive characteristics of the appliances, as well as the consumer habits and comfort preferences. A case study comprising 500 consumers with three types of domestic thermal loads (electric water heaters, air-conditioners, and refrigerators) will be used to illustrate the method.

Abstract
The consolidation of smart grids is inevitably related with the development and actual implementation of different functionalities envisioned for future electric grids. This paper presents the major implementations of smart grid projects in Portugal, which resulted from a close collaboration between academia and industry. An overview of the entire development process is presented culminating with the real implementation of the developed concepts. The architectures and functional models are presented as the initial step in defining the management and control functionalities for future smart distribution networks. The intermediate step consists in validating the advances introduced by smart grids. Simulation tools are emphasized considering both electrical and communications aspects. Finally, a laboratory infrastructure implemented to be used as a real test bed and a pilot deployed in a large city are presented in the end. The associated learning has provided relevant information for future developments.

Abstract
This work proposes a novel primary frequency control technique with electric vehicles (EV), the combination of inertial emulation and droop control, for isolated systems. Being EV dispersed along the grids, the impacts of possible delayed actions are assessed. Islanded systems have reduced inertia and so load/generation imbalance situations may lead to large frequency deviations. Therefore, this paper focuses essentially on the EV contribution for primary reserves provision, in order to allow a safe integration of further intermittent Renewable Energy Sources (RES). An avant-garde generation dispatch was adopted for the test system used in this work, fully reliant on RES, mainly conventional hydro units and some wind generation. The studied disturbances include a rapid shortfall on wind power production and a sequence of consecutive events caused by the variability of the wind resource in an ordinary situation.