Traditionally, electric power systems are subject to uncertainties related to equipment availability, topological changes, faults, disturbances, behaviour of load, etc. In particular, the dissemination of distributed generation (DG), especially those based on renewable sources, has introduced new challenges to power systems, adding further randomness to the management of this segment. In this context, stochastic analysis could support planners and operators in a more appropriate manner than traditional deterministic analysis, since the former is able to properly model the power system uncertainties. The objective of this work is to present recent achievements of one of the most important techniques for stochastic analysis, the Monte Carlo Method (MCM), to study the technical and operational aspects of electric networks with DG. Besides covering the DG topic itself, this paper also addresses emerging themes related to smart grids and new technologies, such as electric vehicles, storage, demand response, and electrothermal hybrid systems. This review encompasses more than 90 recent articles, arranged according to the MCM application and the type of analysis of power systems. The majority of the papers reviewed apply the MCM within stochastic optimization, indicating a possible trend.

This article presents a study on short-circuit current limiting using resistive superconducting fault current limiters, based on a melt cast processed BSCCO-2212. The application of the resistive superconducting fault current limiter was analyzed when installed downstream of a substation, protecting a distribution feeder. The studied power system is based on a dynamic model of the IEEE 13-node test feeder considering a power system expansion scenario, including renewable power generation. As a result of the power system expansion, fault current levels tend to increase, and the resistive superconducting fault current limiter device is used for fault current mitigation. The main contribution of this article is the performance assessment of superconducting fault current limiters and its effects on power quality due to different fault locations in the system and by accounting the complexity of the power system topology. Results obtained demonstrate that the system expansion does not significantly raise fault current levels. It also demonstrated that the resistive superconducting fault current limiter has a desirable operation zone, and unwanted power interruption may occur due to its operation outside this zone.