Adaptive convergence enhancement strategies for Newton–Raphson power flow solutions in distribution networks

Abstract

This study introduces a series of strategies to enhance convergence in the Newton–Raphson power flow method for unbalanced distribution networks. The proposed approach incorporates graph theory, Kron reduction, and current injection techniques. The network components, including transmission conductors, power transformers, power conductors, shunt capacitors/reactors, and demand loads, were merged into the bus impedance matrix. Using two identification processes (based on mismatches for bus voltages and bus power injections) and optimal multipliers (μ), the proposed approach estimates the initial bus voltages by approximating the converged solutions. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the authors performed a comparative analysis of five IEEE test feeders in various scenarios. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed approach, particularly for unbalanced distribution systems with diverse transformer connections.