Power flow analysis is a network analysis solution that predicts steady-state currents, voltages, and the flow of active and reactive power through all branches and busbars in a power system. Power flow analysis simulates various operating conditions and scenarios that cannot be experimentally tested on a real system due to limitations such as the system not being built yet, the operating conditions not allowing it, and the possibility of damage to equipment. The ultimate goal of power flow analysis is to gain a better understanding of how the system operates under a variety of operating conditions and scenarios. Power flow is an important part of power system planning and scheduling.
♦ Important objectives are identified when power flow analysis is performed:
– Voltage, current, power factor, apparent power loss and voltage drop, active power, reactive power at steady state operating conditions.
– Reactive power demand and reactive power and voltage drop at the grid connection point.
– Reactive power demand limits (Maximum and minimum), active power of generator.
– Voltage setpoints for generator exciter and voltage regulator.
– Undervoltage and overvoltage limits for busbars and equipment.
– System operation under normal load, low load and high load conditions under different operating conditions and scenarios.
– System operation under emergency operation conditions.
– System operation under various load and generation conditions.
– Equipment operating conditions such as overload, overvoltage, undervoltage, overexcitation and underexcitation.
– Determine the optimal operating configuration based on the system’s operating limitations.
♦ In addition, when performing power flow analysis, information is provided to determine:
– Selecting the capacity of equipment such as cables, switching devices, transformers, etc.
–Selecting the capacity of reactive power compensation devices for the system.
– Providing information and setting points for overcurrent, overload, low voltage, overvoltage protection devices, etc.
– Planning and developing future load and power generation sources.
– Calculating the capacity of load capacity or distributed power generation sources that can be connected and the impacts on the existing power system.
♦ Applicable standards
– IEEE 399 Standard for Analysis of Industrial and Commercial Electrical Systems.
– IEEE 141 Standard for Analysis of Distribution Electrical Systems.
– IEEE 3002.2 Standard for Power Flow Analysis of Industrial and Commercial Electrical Systems
– Equipment Manufacturer Standards