Power Flow Analysis in Unbalanced Three-Phase Distribution Systems using Backward/Forward Sweep and Current Injection Methods

Abstract

The electrical power distribution system is a part of the power system that distributes electricity from the transmission network to customers. In the distribution system, imbalances often occur due to the varying load profiles in each phase. This can cause voltage imbalances in the distribution system. This study aims to compare two power flow analysis methods, Backward/Forward Sweep and Current Injection. The study analyses the voltage and power loss conditions on each phase at each bus and line in the three-phase distribution system under unbalanced conditions. Simulations were conducted on two IEEE test buses, IEEE 19-Bus and IEEE 33-Bus with radial configurations. The power flow calculation results using the Backward and Forward Sweep method showed that in the IEEE 19-Bus system, the highest voltage drop percentage occurred on phase b at bus 19, at 3.14%, the highest voltage imbalance percentage occurred at bus 19, at 0.1409%, and the total active and reactive power losses were 7.352 kW and 3.164 kVAR. In the IEEE 33-Bus system, the highest voltage drop percentage occurred on phase c at bus 18, at 5.85%, the highest imbalance percentage occurred at bus 15, at 0.2077%, and the total active and reactive power losses were 19.107 kW and 8.22 kVAR. The percentage difference between the two methods used is less than one percent, indicating that both methods are sufficiently accurate in analyzing power flow in an unbalanced distribution system.