A Review of Load Flow Methods in Analysis of Power Distribution Systems

Abstract

Power systems consist of four important segments namely, generation, transmission, distribution and utilization. Each of these segments require to be planned and operated securely in order to maintain a given frequency and voltage level. In order to carry out effective planning, operation, optimization and control, load flows are important for determining the state variables of these networks. With proper method of load flow, the planner would be able to determine network problems such as voltage stability, network power loss and transient stability therefore operating the network securely and economically. In this paper, a review of methods of load flows used in analysis of distribution network has been carried out. The review seeks to highlight strengths and weaknesses of different load flow methods while studying distribution networks.