A distribution power flow using particle swarm optimization

The proliferation of distributed generators (DGs) and the concept of microgrids have altered a distribution network from a passive network to an active one. Hence, active distribution power flow methods need to account for a DG unit, which can operate either as a PV or PQ bus. However, some of the existing active distribution power flow methods have difficulty to converge if the resistance-to-reactance ratio (or R/X) is high. This paper presents a new robust three-phase distribution power flow, which incorporates the particle swarm optimization method into an existing distribution power flow to overcome these problems. An IEEE benchmark system is used to test the validity and robustness of the proposed algorithm.