Improved Reactive Power Load Modeling for Distribution Planning

Abstract

With the growing interest for a more advanced smart grid, there is an increasing need for more detailed and accurate distribution system models and assessments. This paper investigates the accuracy of today's distribution reactive power load modeling approaches and explores alternative load allocation processes to improve the spatial diversity of the reactive power load model. The performance of each methodology is assessed on a real utility feeder model ingested with real 15-minute resolution active and reactive power AMI data, providing a full-visibility base case for benchmarking purposes. This paper shows, among other things, that power-based load allocation or an allocation with improved power factor improves the reactive power load modeling by representing the real and reactive power at the feederhead (as compared to the current-based load allocation).