Abstract
This paper presents a Multicriteria Decision Aid methodology for planning energy storage and sustainable mobility, in an isolated system. The objective of this research is to enhance the sustainability of the analyzed case study (São Miguel Island), by comparing a set of alternatives for energy storage and sustainable mobility. The alternatives characterization and evaluation is made through the calculation of meaningful attributes, namely: carbon emissions, overall costs and reliability. An analysis of the most interesting alternatives is also performed. © 2011 IEEE.

Abstract
Due to the high penetration of renewable energy into the energy matrix of today's power networks, the design of generating systems based only on static reserve assessment does not seem to be enough to guarantee the security of power system operation. From the wind power integration perspective, this energy source imposes additional requirements, mainly due to the inherent unpredictable characteristic of the wind. Besides the uncertainties in load and generating unit availabilities, the operating reserve needs also to deal with the fluctuation characteristic of the wind power. Therefore, more flexibility of the conventional generators (hydro and thermal) is required to provide system support services. This paper discusses a new methodology based on chronological Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the operating reserve requirements of generating systems with large amounts of renewable energy sources, in particular, wind power.

Abstract
In response to the soaring energy crisis and the related pollution problems worldwide, it is essential to apply new technologies that use renewable energy sources in both an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. In this way, biomass offers one of the largest potential among renewable energy sources. The aim of this work is to demonstrate a novel fuzzy-based methodology for selecting hybrid energy systems fuelled by biogas. Fuzzy multi-rules and fuzzy multi-sets are used to evaluate the main operational characteristics of five types of renewable sources fuelled by biogas. The possibility of using the methodology for energy storage system evaluation is also assessed. The construction of the fuzzy multirules and fuzzy multi-sets is based on the following methods: Mamdani (fuzzification process), Max-Min (inference process), and Center of Gravity (defuzzification process). Several criteria are used: costs, efficiency, cogeneration, life-cycle, technical maturity, power application range, and environmental impacts. The methodology considers three different settings with two different constraints: costs and environment. One of the most relevant aspects presented by this work is about the previous classification of the criteria. It was created according to the different relevance observed among the attributes. The purpose of the proposed arrangement is to facilitate the understanding of the methodology and to increase the possibility of incorporating the decision makers' preferences on the decision-aid process. These aspects are essential to strengthen the final decision. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.

Abstract
fischeri Background: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) combines light, a light-absorbing molecule that initiates a photochemical or photophysical reaction, and oxygen. The combined action of these three components originates reactive oxygen species that lead to microorganisms' destruction. The aim was to evaluate the efficiency of PACT on Vibrio fischeri: 1) with buffer solution, varying temperature, pH, salinity and oxygen concentration values; 2) with aquaculture water, to reproduce photoinactivation (PI) conditions in situ. Methodology/Principal Findings: To monitor the PI kinetics, the bioluminescence of V. fischeri was measured during the experiments. A tricationic meso-substituted porphyrin (Tri-Py(+)-Me-PF) was used as photosensitizer (5 mu M in the studies with buffer solution and 10-50 mu M in the studies with aquaculture water); artificial white light (4 mW cm(-2)) and solar irradiation (40 mW cm(-2)) were used as light sources; and the bacterial concentration used for all experiments was approximate to 10(7) CFU mL(-1) (corresponding to a bioluminescence level of 10(5) relative light units - RLU). The variations in pH (6.5-8.5), temperature (10-25 degrees C), salinity (20-40 g L(-1)) and oxygen concentration did not significantly affect the PI of V. fischeri, once in all tested conditions the bioluminescent signal decreased to the detection limit of the method (approximate to 7 log reduction). The assays using aquaculture water showed that the efficiency of the process is affected by the suspended matter. Total PI of V. fischeri in aquaculture water was achieved under solar light in the presence of 20 mu M of Tri-Py(+)-Me-PF. Conclusions/Significance: If PACT is to be used in environmental applications, the matrix containing target microbial communities should be previously characterized in order to establish an efficient protocol having into account the photosensitizer concentration, the light source and the total light dose delivered. The possibility of using solar light in PACT to treat aquaculture water makes this technology cost-effective and attractive.

Abstract
This paper presents a discrete approach, based on an improved integer version of the evolutionary particle swarm optimization (EPSO) algorithm, to solve the dynamic transmission expansion planning (TEP) problem. TEP corresponds to a mixed integer optimization problem that typically aims at identifying a schedule for transmission additions along an extended planning horizon considering operation and investment costs as well as a reliability index to measure the ability the system has to convey electricity from generation to consumers. After detailing the mathematical formulation of the TEP problem, this paper describes the enhanced EPSO algorithm and details its application to the TEP problem. The paper also includes a Case Study based on the IEEE 24 bus / 38 branch system to illustrate the application of the developed procedure.

Abstract
This paper analyses and discusses the current situation in Portugal and in Spain regarding the procurement and the supply of the ancillary services considered in the Codes for the Operation of these two power systems. This is relevant because Portugal and Spain share a common day ahead and bilateral contract electricity market since 2007. However, several technical activities as the procurement and the provision of Ancillary Services are not yet entirely harmonized and fully integrated and continue to be provided within the control area of each country. Accordingly, this paper discusses three possible approaches that the two TSO's can adopt to further enlarge this integration. Then, tertiary reserve is taken as an example to illustrate the advantages that can be obtained if it is used a common list of bids from the two countries. The Case Study analyses four situations including the present mechanisms used to procure tertiary reserve, as well as the use of a common bid list admitting different values for the capacity of the interconnection lines between the two countries. Based on these results, the paper provides a discussion on the mentioned three integration models addressing their advantages and practical difficulties. © 2011 IEEE.