Comparison between two probabilistic load flow methods for reliability assessment

This paper reviews analytical and approximate methods in probabilistic load flow studies, and presents a general procedure of these methods. Two of these methods, the cumulant method and the point estimate method, are presented in detail. Moreover, the treatment of probabilistic loads is discussed in detail in the implementation of these methods. A comparison between these two methods is given through both theoretical analysis and case study to show their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, further research needs and application of these methods are also discussed.