LOAD FLOW METHOD FOR RADIAL SYSTEMS WITH DISTRIBUTING GENERATION

Abstract

Electric utilities have historically satisfied customer demand by generating electricity centrally and distributing it through an extensive transmission and distribution network. As demand increases, the utility generates more electricity. But if the capacity of the generation, transmission, or distribution systems is constrained, the traditional utility response to these constraints is to build new facilities. An alternative approach under consideration by utilities is to satisfy demand locally and incrementally by investing in distributed generation. Distributed generation facilities are strategically sited to deliver electricity where it is needed. This can relieve capacity constraints on the generation, transmission, and distribution systems and represents a prompt solution until it is possible to build new facilities.This paper presents load flow analysis from a distribution radial feeder model of various electrical components including distributing generation units. The load flow analysis uses an evolved ladder load flow iterative technique and is approved by using the well-known Newton-Raphson iterative method to solve for voltage and power unknowns from the algebraic quadratic equations that describe the distribution system network.The load flow routine is used to calculate bus voltage magnitudes and angles, branch power, losses, voltage drop, current magnitudes and angles, shunt device power, and losses. In order to test the proposed algorithm, two examples of distribution systems are used. The results show an acceptable validity of the proposed algorithm