The Special Issue Distributed Energy Resources Management 2018 includes 13 papers, and is a continuation of the Special Issue Distributed Energy Resources Management. The success of the previous edition shows the unquestionable relevance of distributed energy resources in the operation of power and energy systems at both the distribution level and at the wider power system level. Improving the management of distributed energy resources makes it possible to accommodate the higher penetration of intermittent distributed generation and electric vehicle charging. Demand response programs, namely the ones with a distributed nature, allow the consumers to contribute to the increased system efficiency while receiving benefits. This book addresses the management of distributed energy resources, with a focus on methods and techniques to achieve an optimized operation, in order to aggregate the resources namely in the scope of virtual power players and other types of aggregators, and to remunerate them. The integration of distributed resources in electricity markets is also addressed as an enabler for their increased and efficient use.

Operation of Distributed Energy Resources in Smart Distribution Networks defines the barriers and challenges of smart distribution networks, ultimately proposing optimal solutions for addressing them. The book considers their use as an important part of future electrical power systems and their ability to improve the local flexibility and reliability of electrical systems. It carefully defines the concept as a radial network with a cluster of distributed energy generations, various types of loads, and energy storage systems. In addition, the book details how the huge penetration of distributed energy resources and the intermittent nature of renewable generations may cause system problems. Readers will find this to be an important resource that analyzes and introduces the features and problems of smart distribution networks from different aspects. - Integrates different types of elements, including electrical vehicles, demand response programs, and various renewable energy sources in distribution networks - Proposes optimal operational models for the short-term performance and scheduling of a distribution network - Discusses the uncertainties of renewable resources and intermittent load in the decision-making process for distribution networks

Distributed Energy Resources in Microgrids: Integration, Challenges and Optimization unifies classically unconnected aspects of microgrids by considering them alongside economic analysis and stability testing. In addition, the book presents well-founded mathematical analyses on how to technically and economically optimize microgrids via distributed energy resource integration. Researchers and engineers in the power and energy sector will find this information useful for combined scientific and economical approaches to microgrid integration. Specific sections cover microgrid performance, including key technical elements, such as control design, stability analysis, power quality, reliability and resiliency in microgrid operation. - Addresses the challenges related to the integration of renewable energy resources - Includes examples of control algorithms adopted during integration - Presents detailed methods of optimization to enhance successful integration

The electric power sector is poised for transformative changes. Improvements in the cost and performance of a range of distributed energy generation (DG) technologies and the potential for breakthroughs in distributed energy storage (DS) are creating new options for onsite power generation and storage, driving increasing adoption and impacting utility distribution system operations. In addition, changing uses and use patterns for electricity—from plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) to demand response (DR)—are altering demands placed on the electric power system. Finally, the infusion of new information and communications technology (ICT) into the electric system and its markets is enabling the collection of immense volumes of data on power sector operations and use; unprecedented control of generation, networks, and loads; and new opportunities for the delivery of energy services. In this Special Issue of Energies, research papers on topics related to the integration of distributed energy resources (DG, DS, EV, and DR) are included. From technologies to software tools to system-wide evaluations, the impacts of all aforementioned distributed resources on both operation and planning are examined.

Blockchain-Based Smart Grids presents emerging applications of blockchain in electrical system and looks to future developments in the use of blockchain technology in the energy market. Rapid growth of renewable energy resources in power systems and significant developments in the telecommunication systems has resulted in new market designs being employed to cover unpredictable and distributed generation of electricity. This book considers the marriage of blockchain and grid modernization, and discusses the transaction shifts in smart grids, from centralized to peer-to-peer structures. In addition, it addresses the effective application of these structures to speed up processes, resulting in more flexible electricity systems. Aimed at moving towards blockchain-based smart grids with renewable applications, this book is useful to researchers and practitioners in all sectors of smart grids, including renewable energy providers, manufacturers and professionals involved in electricity generation from renewable sources, grid modernization and smart grid applications.

Integration of Distributed Energy Resources in Power Systems: Implementation, Operation and Control covers the operation of power transmission and distribution systems and their growing difficulty as the share of renewable energy sources in the world's energy mix grows and the proliferation trend of small scale power generation becomes a reality. The book gives students at the graduate level, as well as researchers and power engineering professionals, an understanding of the key issues necessary for the development of such strategies. It explores the most relevant topics, with a special focus on transmission and distribution areas. Subjects such as voltage control, AC and DC microgrids, and power electronics are explored in detail for all sources, while not neglecting the specific challenges posed by the most used variable renewable energy sources. - Presents the most relevant aspects of the integration of distributed energy into power systems, with special focus on the challenges for transmission and distribution - Explores the state-of the-art in applications of the most current technology, giving readers a clear roadmap - Deals with the technical and economic features of distributed energy resources and discusses their business models

Local Electricity Markets introduces the fundamental characteristics, needs, and constraints shaping the design and implementation of local electricity markets. It addresses current proposed local market models and lessons from their limited practical implementation. The work discusses relevant decision and informatics tools considered important in the implementation of local electricity markets. It also includes a review on management and trading platforms, including commercially available tools. Aspects of local electricity market infrastructure are identified and discussed, including physical and software infrastructure. It discusses the current regulatory frameworks available for local electricity market development internationally. The work concludes with a discussion of barriers and opportunities for local electricity markets in the future. - Delineates key components shaping the design and implementation of local electricity market structure - Provides a coherent view on the enabling infrastructures and technologies that underpin local market expansion - Explores the current regulatory environment for local electricity markets drawn from a global panel of contributors - Exposes future paths toward widespread implementation of local electricity markets using an empirical review of barriers and opportunities - Reviews relevant local electricity market case studies, pilots and demonstrators already deployed and under implementation