Radial Load Flow for Systems Having Distributed Generation and Controlled<i>Q</i>Sources

Abstract

Abstract A load flow method that can be used for radial systems having all the common types of voltage control devices in addition to distributed generation sources is proposed. The method automatically adjusts the reactive power outputs of synchronous generators, switched capacitors, static var compensators and induction generators together with regulating transformer tap positions in an unified manner so as to satisfy the control characteristics of the respective devices by using a sensitivity based approach. In this context, a model for the induction generators that can be easily integrated with the proposed radial load flow method and a new approach to pre–calculate the sensitivity of node voltages, to regulator tap changes, are presented. Test results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.