A Compensation Based Method to Model PV Nodes in Backward/Forward Distribution Network Analysis

Purpose – This paper proposes to identify a new model of the fixed voltage nodes (PV nodes) for medium voltage distribution systems analysis. The model is used within backward/forward (b/f) analysis method applied to solve radial and weakly meshed systems. Design/methodology/approach – The model is based on the compensation currents method for multi-port systems which has been extensively used, within b/f analysis methods, to take into account the presence of meshes and PV nodes. Findings – Test results prove the approach to be more efficient and precise than previous methodologies and put into evidence the good performance of the proposed model in terms of speed and convergence properties. Research limitations/implications – The model is developed to be used within b/f methodology. Practical implications – Utilities are quite interested in such items, since the deregulation electricity market in last years has determined an evolution of the medium voltage distribution networks, due to the presence of distributed generation. So it is necessary to take into account and to model in an opportune way the nodes with distributed generators (PV nodes), also in weakly meshed networks, for the load flow analysis. Originality/value – The paper presents a new model to treat the fixed voltage nodes (PV nodes) for medium voltage distribution networks analysis.