Abstract
Distributed energy resources (DERs) can provide a number of functions to be used in grid services with proper establishment of control and communication systems. However, there are neither general standards for vendor independent integration of these assets in management activities, nor common consideration of specific flexibilities that different DERs have. This paper investigates characterization and comparison of individual power and energy management flexibilities of different types of distributed energy resources. Emerging DER capability identification approaches are used to highlight contrasting differences between several energy storage and distributed generation options. Experiments were conducted in a low voltage test facility to compare flexibility limits using the same control and communication infrastructure. © 2018 IEEE.

Abstract
Growing number of inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs) and sensitive loads increase the need for coordinated power management activities in islanded operation of microgrids. Especially low voltage networks have low inertia and high RA ratio, causing instability due to fluctuations in distributed generation (DG) and local voltage problems in islanded operation. This study investigates management of DERs that operate in current mode for providing voltage regulation support to master unit(s) in islanded operation of microgrids. A special focus was set on local voltage issues in low voltage (LV) network feeders. Field experiments in a large test facility highlighted management accuracy and corrective impact potential of DERs connected to different parts of a feeder.

Abstract
The integration of Renewable Energy Sources, mainly in distribution grids, has been changing the paradigm of power systems operation. This constitutes an opportunity to make use of flexible energy resources to support DSOs and TSOs on network operation activities. The amount of total flexibility available in the system can be quantified starting from lower voltage levels considering the implementation of demand response schemes. This work is focused on the development of an expeditious methodology to assess the total flexibility of low voltage consumers and aggregate it by means of a bottom-up approach until reaching the transmission network nodes.

Abstract
The inclusion of new energy management technologies in buildings and increasing integration of distributed energy resources in electricity networks will require new operation and planning approaches from system operators. Currently, distribution network planning is rather inefficient as network assets are oversized to meet the peak demand of a worst case scenario which is unlikely to occur. In addition, flexibility provided by controllable loads is not taken into account at all. This paper presents an innovative approach that integrates the potential flexibility of distributed energy resources in the planning exercise. It incorporates two optimization problems: a low-level one to optimize the operation of controllable resources; and a high-level one based on an OPF that uses the available flexibility to solve network problems. The proposed method allows obtaining costeffective solutions that make a better use of the flexible resources available, avoiding high capital investments in network reinforcement.

Abstract
Building automation systems (BAS) have promising potential to support power and energy management applications, in addition to the current and conventional intention of use for improving comfort. Integration of BAS with smart meters to provide remote monitoring and control over user-friendly interfaces can foster consumer awareness, proactiveness towards more effective use of energy and it is one of the keystones of the future's smart cities. This paper proposes development and field implementation of a remote monitoring, control and data processing system for residential customers. The system is designed to comprise a widely used BAS protocol (KNX) and smart meters in the market, adding on a central database and a web application. The developed solution is implemented in 3 houses with real residents in Istanbul, Turkey. The study provides developments for hardware-software integration in building energy management and solutions for problems encountered during field implementation. Energy management potential of three houses from the field is also discussed.

Abstract
The ex-ante division of consumers into potential off-grid and grid-extension clusters represents a crucial input to electrification planning. This paper explores the application of image processing tools to distinguish grid-expansion from offgrid consumer clusters spatially, considering peak-load surfaces. Instead of point-based cluster analysis, the proposed model induces morphological pixel changes in the image through filtering and segmentation techniques. This way, load clusters can be isolated based on texture and coherence in an unprecedented way. Various single and sequential image processing techniques are compared, together with a rough grid expansion-ratio estimate for each case. Model outcomes are benchmarked against off-grid/on-grid clusters retrieved by using the Rural Electrification Model.