Abstract
This paper presents how the InterConnect project is enhancing the relationship between smart buildings, energy communities and grids, enabling the potential of interoperable flexibility mechanisms and the offer of new energy and non-energy services. Within this framework DSO will leverage its role of neutral market facilitator acting as key enabler for new business models. The paper presents the first technical definition of the DSO Interface of the H2020 InterConnect project that will ensure interoperable integration of flexibility services between DSOs and the different market parties to support the grid operation towards an increasingly decentralized, digitalized and decarbonized electric system. © 2021 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Abstract
Future Secondary Substation (SS) design requires a more integrated approach, from the building envelope design, electromechanically equipments to the advanced monitoring and control, taking into account new technical, environmental and economic requirements. The main objective of the project is to develop an integrated solution for the SSS, considering innovative solutions for the building envelope and thermal behavior, power transformer and switching equipment as well as monitoring, protection and control system. This paper presents the specification of future SS developed in Portuguese project NEXTSTEP - Next Distribution SubsTation ImprovEd Platform and describes its mains innovative solution and advanced control functionalities. © 2021 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Abstract
This paper presents a quadratically constrained programming (QCP) model to tackle the optimal power flow (OPF) problem in distribution networks. The proposed model is fast, reliable, and precise enough to be embedded into the multi-emporal power system analysis. The proposed model benefits from a standard QCP to solve the branch active and reactive power flows. The second-order conic programming (SOCP) approach has been applied to address the quadratic constraints. The nonconvex feature of the OPF problem has been relaxed utilizing the McCormick envelopes. To find the minimum current of each branch, the lossless power flow model has been first solved and the obtained results have been considered for solving the OPF problem. The IEEE 33-bus test system has been selected as the benchmark to verify the efficient performance of the proposed OPF model. The simulation study confirms that the McCormick envelopes used in the QCP approach lead to precise results with a very fast convergence time. Overall, the presented model for the OPF can be extended for both planning and operation purposes in distribution system studies.

Abstract
As AI algorithms thrive on data, SCADA would be considered a natural ground for Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to be developed, translating that avalanche of information into meaningful and fast insights to human operators. However, presently, the high complexity of the events, the data semantics, the large variety of equipment and technologies translate into very few AI applications developed in SCADA. Aware of the enormous potential yet to be explored, E-REDES partnered with INESC TEC to experiment on the development of two novel AI applications based on SCADA data. The first tool, called Alarm2Insights, identifies anomalous behaviours regarding the performance of the protection functions associated with HV and MV line panels. The second tool, called EventProfiler, uses unsupervised learning to identify similar events (i.e., with similar log messages) in HV line panels, and supervised learning to classify new events into previously defined clusters and detect unique or rare events. Aspects associated to data handling and pre-processing are also discussed. The project's results show a very promising potential of applying AI to SCADA data, enhancing the role of the operator and support him in doing better and more informed decisions. © 2021 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Abstract
Flexibility is key for the decarbonization of the energy sector, contributing to decrease uncertainty in the operation of distribution networks, due to the connection of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles. However, effective deployment requires interoperable and replicable solutions, technologically agnostic and independent from the role of each actor and market models adopted. This paper presents an overview of ongoing projects that aim to deliver and demonstrate interoperable solutions across the full value chain of the energy sector. The main objective and expected results of the H2020 InterConnect, EUniversal and OneNet projects will be presented. © 2021 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Abstract
Protection and control systems represent an essential part of distribution networks by ensuring the physical integrity of components and by improving system reliability. Protection devices isolate a portion of the network affected by a fault, while control devices reduce the number of de-energized loads by transferring loads to neighboring feeders. The integration of distributed generation has the potential to enhance the continuity of energy services through islanding operation during outage conditions. In this context, this study presents a multi-objective optimization approach for sizing and allocating protection and control devices in distribution networks with microgrids supplied by renewable energy sources. Reclosers, fuses, remote-controlled switches, and directional relays are considered in the formulation. Demand and generation uncertainties define the islanding operation and the load transfer possibilities. A non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm is applied in the solution of the allocation problem considering two conflicting objectives: cost of energy not supplied and equipment cost. The compromise programming is then performed to achieve the best solution from the Pareto front. The results show interesting setups for the protection system and viability of islanding operation.