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Publications

2022

Quantifying the Difference Between Resilience and Reliability in the Operation Planning of Mobile Resources for Power Distribution Grids

Authors
Lotfi, M; Panteli, M; Venkatasubramanian, BV; Javadi, MS; Carvalho, LM; Gouveia, CS;

Publication
Findings

Abstract
Modern power grids have high levels of distributed energy resources, automation, and inherent flexibility. Those characteristics have been proven to be favorable from an environmental, social and economic perspective. Despite the increased versatility, modern grids are becoming more vulnerable to high-impact low-probability (HILP) threats, particularly for the distribution networks. On one hand, this is due to the increasing frequency and severity of weather events and natural disasters. On the other hand, it is aggravated by the increased complexity of smart grids. Resilience is broadly defined as the capability of a system to mitigate the effects of and recover from HILP events, which is often confused with reliability that is concerned with low-impact high-probability (LIHP) ones. In this paper, a distribution system in Portugal is simulated to showcase how the utilization of flexibility and mobile energy resources (MERs) should be considered differently relative to HILP vs LIHP threats.

2022

Adaptive Optimal Greedy Clustering-Based Monthly Electricity Consumption Forecasting Method

Authors
Wang, YQ; Fu, ZY; Wang, F; Li, KP; Li, ZH; Zhen, Z; Dehghanian, P; Fotuhi-Firuzabad, M; Catalao, JPS;

Publication
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS

Abstract
Accurate monthly electricity consumption forecasting (MECF) is important for electricity retailers to mitigate trading risks in the electricity market. Clustering is commonly used to improve the accuracy of MECF. However, in the existing clustering-based forecasting methods, clustering and forecasting are independently performed and lack coordination, which limits the further improvement of forecasting accuracy. To address this issue, an adaptive optimal greedy clustering-based MECF method is proposed in this article. First, a metric of predictability is defined based on the goodness of fit and the cluster's average electricity consumption. Under a predefined number of clusters, the greedy clustering algorithm achieves the optimal division of individuals with the goal of maximizing predictability. Then, an adaptive method is designed to select the optimal number of clusters from a variety of clustering scenarios according to the prediction accuracy on the validation dataset. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method have been verified on a real-world dataset.

2022

Electricity Markets in the Context of Distributed Energy Resources and Demand Response Programs: Main Developments and Challenges Based on a Systematic Literature Review

Authors
da Costa, VBF; de Doile, GND; Troiano, G; Dias, BH; Bonatto, BD; Soares, T; de Freitas, W;

Publication
ENERGIES

Abstract
Distributed energy resources have been increasingly integrated into electrical grids. Consequently, electricity markets are expected to undergo changes and become more complex. However, while there are many scientific publications on the topic, a broader discussion is still necessary. Therefore, a systematic literature review on electricity markets in the context of distributed energy resources integration was conducted in this paper to present in-depth discussions on the topic, along with shedding light on current perspectives, the most relevant sources, authors, papers, countries, metrics, and indexes. The software R and its open-source tool Bibliometrix were used to perform the systematic literature review based on the widely recognized databases Web of Science and Scopus, which led to a total of 1685 articles after removing duplicates. The results demonstrate that demand response, renewable energy, uncertainty, optimization, and smart grid are the most-used keywords. By assessing highly impactful articles on the theme, emphasis on energy storage systems becomes clear compared to distributed generation and electric vehicles. However, electric vehicles draw attention in terms of citations. Furthermore, multi-level stochastic programming is the most-applied methodology among highly impactful articles. Due to the relevance of the demand response keyword, this paper also conducts a specific review on the topic aligned with electricity markets and distributed energy resources (296 articles). The results demonstrate that virtually all high-impact publications on the topic address day-ahead or real-time pricing. Based on the literature found, this paper presents a discussion on the main challenges and future perspectives related to the field. The complexity of electrical power systems and electricity markets is increasing substantially according to what this study found. Distributed generation development is already advanced, while energy storage systems and electric vehicles are limited in many countries. Peer-to-peer electricity trading and virtual power plant are newer concepts that are currently incipient, and DR programs showcase an intermediate stage of evolution. A particular lack of research on social issues is verified, and also a lack of all-encompassing studies that address multiple interconnected topics, which should be better addressed in the future. The in-depth assessment carried out in this paper is expected to be of high value to researchers and policy-makers and facilitate future research on the topic.

2022

Merging make-to-stock/make-to-order decisions into sales and operations planning: A multi-objective approach

Authors
Pereira, DF; Oliveira, JF; Carravilla, MA;

Publication
OMEGA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

Abstract
With the advent of mass customization and product proliferation, the appearance of hybrid Make-toStock(MTS)/Make-to-Order(MTO) policies arise as a strategy to cope with high product variety maintaining satisfactory lead times. In companies operating under this reality, Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) practices must be adapted accordingly during the coordinated planning of procurement, production, logistics, and sales activities. This paper proposes a novel S&OP decision-making framework for a flow shop/batch company that produces standard products under an MTS strategy and customized products under an MTO strategy. First, a multi-objective mixed-integer programming model is formulated to characterize the problem. Then, a matrix containing the different strategies a firm in this context may adopt is proposed. This rationale provides a business-oriented approach towards the analysis of different plans and helps to frame the different Pareto-optimal solutions given the priority on MTS or MTO segments and the management positioning regarding cost minimization or service level orientation. The research is based on a real case faced by an electric cable manufacturer. The computational experiments demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology. Our approach brings a practical, supply chain-oriented, and mid-term perspective on the study of operations planning policies in MTS/MTO contexts.

2022

European Project Semester

Authors
Budzinska, G; Hansen, J; Malheiro, B; Fuentes-Durá, P;

Publication
Handbook of Research on Improving Engineering Education with the European Project Semester - Advances in Higher Education and Professional Development

Abstract
This chapter aims to introduce the European Project Semester concept and the network of providers together with historical and current data on participants and providers. EPS is a one-semester international exchange program designed for engineering, product designers, and business undergraduates. It embraces student-centered project-based learning and multicultural and transdisciplinary teamwork to help students develop the competencies and skills required for the 21st century. It was created in 1995 in Denmark to prepare future engineers for global challenges, and it combines scientific and technical education, ethical and sustainability-driven problem-solving, intercultural communication, and teamwork. EPS has since been adopted by 19 European higher education institutions, establishing a network of EPS providers across Europe. The network offers international students a wide range of European study locations and cultural insights and, above all, the opportunity to enjoy the EPS learning experience. The number of alumni shows the program's attractiveness, range, and vitality.

2022

Restart: A Route Planner to Encourage the Use of Public Transport Services in a Pandemic Context

Authors
Fulgêncio, R; Ferreira, MC; Abrantes, D; Coimbra, M;

Publication
Transportation Research Procedia

Abstract
Public transport services play an important role in the mobility of the population in urban centers, allowing a decrease in the number of private vehicles in circulation and contributing to a more sustainable mobility. However, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic had a serious impact on the mobility habits of the population, with a substantial reduction in the number of public transport passengers due to the fear of contagion, which raises questions about the future sustainability of cities. Thus, it is essential to restore the confidence of travelers to feel safe and comfortable using public transport services. Taking advantage of the widespread use of mobile technologies, this article intends to propose a route planning system for public transport that meets the needs of passengers in terms of safety and comfort. After a systematic review of the existing literature and a series of focus group sessions, a prototype of the system was developed, and subsequently evaluated by potential users through usability tests. The results obtained are a good indicator of the system's functionality and ease of use. This assessment allowed us to corroborate the potential that the proposed route planning system has in promoting the use of public transport services as a means of mobility.

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