Direct Solution of Compensated Radial Distribution Networks with Constant Impedance/Current Loads

In this paper, a methodology to solve radial distribution networks, with constant current and/or impedance loads as well as shunt capacitor banks, is proposed. The techniques currently available to solve such systems are based either on iterative methods or on the bus impedance matrix. In both cases, the elaboration times are quite high since these are related, for iterative methods, to the overall number of iterations, and, for those methods based on the impedance matrix, to the inversion of the admittance matrix. The method developed here is the extension of a technique that is valid to solve networks made of impedances with one supply point. The methodology can also be applied in the solution, with the backward/forward methodology, of meshed systems having voltage-dependent loads and PV nodes. After having described the two cited networks’ analysis methodologies, the new methodology is developed and its implementation is described. The comparison of the computational performances, in terms of CPU times, between the iterative method, the method using the bus impedance matrix and the one developed in this paper provide evidence regarding the efficiency of the latter in strongly reducing the calculation times.