A three-phase power flow method for real-time distribution system analysis

This paper presents a three-phase power flow solution method for real-time analysis of primary distribution systems. This method is a direct extension of the compensation-based power flow method for weakly meshed distribution systems from single phase to three-phase, with the emphasis on modeling of dispersed generation (PV nodes), unbalanced and distributed loads, and voltage regulators and shunt capacitors with automatic local tap controls. The method proposed here is capable of addressing these modeling challenges while still maintaining a high execution speed required for real-time application in distribution automation systems. The paper also includes test results from the application of a computer program developed based on the proposed method to large primary electric distribution systems