Fully distributed AC power flow (ACPF) algorithm for distribution systems

Power flow is one of the basic tools for system operation and control. Due to its nature, which determines the complex nodal voltages, line flows, currents and losses, it enforces a large computation load on a power system. A distributed/decentralised algorithm unburdens the central controller and shares the total computation load with all agents. Therefore, such algorithms are an effective method for dealing with power flow complexity. In this study, a distributed method based on a linearised AC power system is proposed. First, the linearisation procedure of a comprehensive non-linear AC power flow (ACPF) is detailed. Second, a distributed method is presented based upon the linear ACPF equations. Three case studies are presented to evaluate the overall performance of the proposed method. In the first case study, the accuracy level of both linearised ACPF and distributed ACPF is assessed. In the second case study, the dynamic performance of distributed ACPF is investigated based on the load sudden changes. In the third case study, the scalability of the proposed distributed ACPF is evaluated by applying it to a larger power system.