The Effect of Load Modeling on Load Flow Results in Distribution Systems

Abstract

Effective utilization of power distribution networks requires extensive studies in such areas as using of capacitors, voltage regulators, network reconfiguration, and so on. Indeed, achieving to accurate answers, and managing appropriate solutions for network problems requires a detailed modeling of the network in the process of the above studies. Among the elements that are important for modeling in network research is network loads. Loads are generally being modeled such as constant power. While load nature is often widespread and different. Failure to have a detailed modeling can lead to non-optimal and even wrong answers, and will result in waste of costs and investments. Since the load flow is the basis of any research in distribution networks, in this paper the effect of load modeling on load flow results which can clarify the importance of the load modeling for other network studies are investigated. What can be inferred from this study is that any study in distribution networks can only lead to optimal results if the load model is accurate. Therefore, attempting to measure necessary load parameters and using their exact modeling methods in distribution networks should be done in order to obtain more accurate results and more savings.