A simulation tool for extended distribution grids with controlled distributed generation

In this paper, a new software tool is presented for the simulation of electrical networks under steady-state conditions. Its distinct advantage is the robust integration of distributed generation droop controls, while offering the ability to simulate extended networks fast and reliably. The proposed simulation tool is based on the combination of two well-known software products, namely MATLAB and OpenDSS. The latter is employed as an unbalanced power flow solver, whereas the former implements the droop control of DG units. Simulation results for a simple and extended low-voltage network show the effectiveness of the proposed tool and mainly the reduction in the execution times over other conventional time-domain-based software products.