A simple algorithm for unbalanced radial distribution system load flow

Many programs of real-time applications in the area of distribution automation, such as network optimization, Var planning, switching, state estimation, and so forth, require a robust and efficient load flow method for distribution systems. Such a load flow method must be able to model the special features of distribution systems in sufficient detail. Many approaches for unbalanced radial distribution system load-flow analyses have been developed. Among these approaches, the backward/forward sweep methods are commonly used due to their computational efficiencies and solution accuracies. This paper proposes a simple algorithm for unbalanced radial distribution system load flow analysis. The proposed algorithm is basically a forward/backward sweep method. A novel scheme of bus identification and multiphase data handling makes the implementation of the algorithm very simple. The proposed load flow algorithm has been implemented on three test distribution systems. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been assessed by comparing it with several other established unbalanced distribution load flow methods.