Performance analysis and comparison of load flow methods in a practical distribution system

The power sector is in its fast growing phase to meet the growing demand for electricity. With the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in the Distribution Network (DN), the conventional network has been upgraded from a passive network to an active network. With high penetration of DER the network experiences high R/X ratios, unpredicted variation of source with continuously variation of loads. With all these challenges power grid is committed to provide good quality power to the consumers and maintain the stability of the network. Hence, to analyse the performance of the network, load flow studies are very important. This paper compares the performance characteristics of Newton-Raphson (NR) method and Forward / Backwards Sweep (FBS) method with a variable load pattern. The performance of the methods are evaluated in an IEEE 13 node test feeder. The performance characteristics are evaluated for their different convergence criteria by increasing the R/X ratio, by varying the tolerance values and analysing the voltages at break points. Based on the case studies the results show that FBS method is more preferable for Distribution System.