Abstract
The technological revolution in the electric power system sector is producing large volumes of data with pertinent impact in the business and functional processes of system operators, generation companies, and grid users. Big data techniques can be applied to state estimation, forecasting, and control problems, as well as to support the participation of market agents in the electricity market. This chapter presents a revision of the application of data mining techniques to these problems. Trends like feature extraction/reduction and distributed learning are identified and discussed. The knowledge extracted from power system and market data has a significant impact in key performance indicators, like operational efficiency (e.g., operating expenses), investment deferral, and quality of supply. Furthermore, business models related to big data processing and mining are emerging and boosting new energy services.

Abstract
The voltage stability security is a very important and relevant issue in the modern power networks. The voltage instability can drive the system to a blackout. One of the methodologies to deal with this problem is analysing the trajectory sensitivity of the system. The STATCOM is an important hardware that is used to improve the voltage stability of an electric power network. The main objective of this paper is to analyse the results of different studies that were realized in a power system with wind farms. The wind farms were modelled considering that the wind turbines were equipped with pitch control coupled with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator. The EUROSTAG program was used to obtain the simulation results. The Matlab software package was used for the post-processing module developed.

Abstract
The application of technologies for the improvement of voltage stability, particularly during contingencies is a major concern in the field of power networks operation and control. In this paper it is studied the FACTS performance in the dynamic voltage stability of an electric power system. It was considered the influence of two FACTS controllers in parallel or shunt connection, the Static VAR Compensators (SVC) and the Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM) in the dynamic voltage stability during a disturbance of the BPA test power network. The models of SVC and STATCOM were developed in EUROSTAG. The Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR) of the generating units and the turbine speed governors were modelled in detail. Different load models were used and the Under Load Tap Changers (ULTC) were also taken into account. Finally, some conclusions that provide a better understanding of the dynamic voltage stability using FACTS devices during a disturbance are pointed out.

Abstract
All Higher Education Institutions play a decisive role in adapting the new courses to the needs of society and the world of work. ICTs widen the possibilities of uses, at a relatively low cost; therefore, additional measures need to be taken in terms of methodologies to implement flexible learning processes, at their own special pace. The possibility of performing real life experiments is essential to consolidate concepts taught in theoretical classes of scientific and technical curricular units. Real labs are seldom available, posing restrictions to learning and experimentation. New internet-based technologies can be used to improve the access to these experiences using laboratories with simulated experiments. This paper aims at presenting the development of a prototype using tools to create virtual learning environments. It uses virtual experimentation to perform laboratory practices and as an alternative tool to meet the needs of access to a Measurement and Instrumentation laboratory. The basis of the project was the creation of a 3D laboratory where all the equipment and its components may be observed and manipulated and virtual experimentation was chosen to facilitate all laboratory practices. A creative tool or authoring tool was used for the development of the program called VEMA -Virtual Electric MAnual. The use of WireFusion 5.0 ® authoring tool and an educational license explain the low cost of construction of the virtual reality (VR) program. This project was developed to demonstrate how a VR desktop prototype may be applied to an engineering curricular unit and also to increase safety and resourcefulness in the use of electrical equipment. From the educational point of view, VEMA should not be seen as a substitute of traditional teaching methods, but only as a complementary resource that can meaningfully improve students' understanding and motivation. The main objective of VEMA was to develop a prototype of a VR simulator to demonstrate the potential benefits of combining virtual reality to improve learning and measurement of electrical circuits in a specific controlled environment. No browser plug-in is required to show the presentations. © 2017 IEEE.

Abstract
Technology is a powerful and resourceful tool in teaching and learning as it entices and helps all the parties involved, transforming all activities into alluring or challenging experiences, opening new perspectives into the process and maximizing the availability and use of the tools which the same technology provides. It allows levels of effectiveness in this modern and global era. This study integrates technology in the learning process and evaluation of its various outcomes.The present paper deals with the planning and execution of a lighting design project to be implemented in several monuments and has as main objective the creation and/or replacement of the existing light fixtures with more efficient ones. The lighting systems are intended to illuminate monuments in order to ensure adequate visibility and comfort. The luminous efficiency of a luminary has a dominant influence on the energy consumption and, consequently, in maintenance costs and use of lighting.The project involved the lighting design of monuments or buildings considered relevant or of public interest with the purpose of enhancing their beauty, making them more attractive to the onlookers. A reinforcement of learning applied to the historical monuments lighting configurations will be described. The aim of the projects is also to demonstrate that LED technology allows for greater energetic efficiency in lighting design of monuments. The inherent advantages of replacing the existing solution with one that provides better energy performance will lead to a future reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), creating an environmentally friendly installation.The challenge was to design a computer aided lighting project using the problem based learning model. With software such as the Dialux computer program, it is possible to analyze the advantage of using correct floodlighting and to understand how software tools can be useful in lighting engineering projects. The simulation design to enhance the authenticity and application of learning derived from the lighting project used to promote skills and understanding of working collaboratively. Both students and teachers shared responsibility in keeping up to date with the products of learning resulting from the simulation project. © 2017 IEEE.

Abstract
Large-scale integration of variable Renewable Energy Sources (RES) brings significant challenges to grid operation that require new approaches and tools for distribution system management, particularly concerning voltage control. Therefore, an innovative approach for voltage control at the MV level is presented. It is based on a preventive day-ahead analysis that uses data from load/RES forecasting tools to establish a plan for operation of the different Distributed Energy Resources (DER) for the next day. The approach is formulated as a multi-temporal Optimal Power Flow (OPF) solved by a meta-heuristic, used to tackle complex multi-dimensional problems. The tuning of the meta-heuristic parameters was performed to ensure the robustness of the proposed approach and enhance the performance of the algorithm. It was tested through simulation in a large scale test network with good results.