A Novel Zooming Algorithm for Distribution Load Flow Analysis for Smart Grid

In this paper, a novel algorithm for calculating distribution load flow (DLF) for smart grid is presented. The algorithm can provide a DLF solution in a specific area of interest in the distribution system without the necessity of including all of the distribution system laterals in the DLF problem. The system laterals excluded from the DLF solution are replaced by equivalent loads using a proposed lumping technique. The proposed DLF zooming method thus reduces the size of the DLF problem and hence minimizes the effect of system size on the DLF solution time. The construction of the DLF problem is based on a novel automated recursive process, which enables fast accommodation of changes in the network topology of smart grid. The simulation results validate the accuracy of the proposed DLF zooming algorithm and provide a favorable evaluation of its performance for smart grid operation.