Load Flow Analysis of Radial Distribution Networks: New Findings in Backward/Forward Method

In the paper, the backward/forward method for solving radial distribution networks is in details described. In particular it is examined considering the four main steps into which it can be divided: initialization of the state variables; backward sweep; forward sweep; identification of a convergence criterion. For each of these, except for the forward sweep, a new procedure is defined. In particular, a methodology for the identification of a starting solution that is as close as possible to the desired one is proposed; the backward phase is modified for the evaluation of the branch currents and a new convergence criterion is proposed. The results of the application of the proposed methodology to a set of test systems present in literature are reported and discussed.