Medium voltage to low voltage power flow solution using modified backward/forward sweep algorithm

The present development in distribution utilities is to adopt Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) for distribution automation. The distribution power flow solution to be used is one of the key successes of this initiative. This paper develops a new algorithm in solving power flow solution from medium voltage (MV) up to the low voltage (LV) level or from the distribution substation up to the customer side. A modified backward/forward sweep power flow algorithm was proposed. The method combines MV and LV power flow in a single power flow algorithm and provides an efficient tool for distribution power flow analysis. Three-phase unbalanced distribution characteristics model in the MV and comprehensive secondary network modeling to account different loading and customers characteristics in the LV were used. A computer program has been developed using Matlab platform and the robustness of the proposed algorithm is verified using a developed 25-bus distribution network and the result is compared with Radial Distribution Analysis Package (RDAP).