Summary of electric distribution system analyses with a focus on DERs

Abstract

Commonly used distribution system analyses (DSAs) include power flow, power quality, fault analysis and dynamic analysis. The DSA tools are often used by the electric distribution planning engineers to conduct different types of analyses. This paper has investigated the capability of ten DSA tools, including both commercial and open-source ones. The maturity levels of the DSA analyses and the corresponding studies are summarized based on percentage of the DSA tools capable of conducting each type of analysis. With increasing distributed energy resources (DERs) being integrated into the distribution system, detailed DER studies need to be conducted to investigate the potential effects of DERs on the grid. The DSAs associated with DERs are discussed, along with their relative maturity and tool capabilities to conduct the DER impact studies. This paper provides an overview of the DSAs that assist in analyzing DER impacts, the DSAs as the way to enable or support market activities on the distribution systems, and summarizes the capabilities and gaps of existing DSA tools to conduct DER studies.