Distribution Network Tools

PowerFactory offers a comprehensive range of tools for the analysis and optimisation of distribution networks, with a particular focus on distributed energy generation and low voltage loads.

Distribution Network Analysis tools

The Low Voltage Load Flow Calculation is a dedicated load flow analysis that takes into account the stochastic behaviour of loads using coincidence curves. Hosting Capacity determines how much additional generation or load can be added to the network without violating pre-defined network constraints.

Distribution Network Optimisation tools

A range of optimisation functions are offered, to enable the existing capabilities and configurations of the network to be optimised, and to determine the optimal placement of new equipment such as capacitors, storage units and voltage regulators.

• Load flow calculation which takes into account the stochastic consumption behaviour of loads and generating units
• Use of coincidence curves linked to LV loads, static generators or PV systems
• Optional scaling and coupling

• Evaluation of the maximum distributed energy resources (DER) and/or spare load capacity of a network
• Consideration of thermal, voltage, protection¹ and power quality limits²
• Graphical visualisation of maximum, minimum and average capacity of the system
• Tabular reports of the maximum capacities and limiting components for feeders and terminals
• Parallel computing using multiple processor cores

¹ Requires Protection Function licence
² Requires Power Quality and Harmonics Analysis licence

• Optimisation of tie open point positions subject to loss minimisation, ­improvement of system reliability, or minimisation of switching actions
• Support of balanced/unbalanced systems
• Simultaneous optimisation of single or multiple scenarios and time periods
• Branch and boundary flow limits, absolute voltage, and voltage drop/rise constraints
• Enhanced reporting features and graphical visualisation, including ­automatic identification of tie open points
• Various methodologies, such as mesh exploration heuristic, ­genetic algorithms, and simulated annealing

• Verification and optimisation mode
• Voltage profile optimisation for bi-directional power flows in systems with a high level of distributed generation
• Determination of optimal distribution transformer tap positions for production and consumption cases (simultaneous or independent)
• Combined consideration of MV and LV feeder voltage profiles with enhanced plotting features

• Automatic reconnection of loads, generators, and/or branch elements in order to achieve minimal power imbalance
• Minimisation of unbalance at feeding point or average imbalance in feeder
• High flexibility to also allow for partial reconfiguration
• Capturing of results via Variations for convenient toggling of original and optimised phase connections
• Various methodologies, such as standard heuristics, genetic algorithms, and simulated annealing

• Determination of optimal locations and sizes of new storage units and voltage regulators
• Economic assessment to minimise the overall costs including costs for installation, operation and maintenance
• Optimisation of existing storage units, voltage regulators and transformers
• User-definable time periods and resolutions
• Consideration of thermal and voltage limits, as well as equipment-specific constraints
• Automated generation of optimal time characteristics for power dispatch of storage units and tap positions of voltage regulators
• Numerous reporting facilities and result visualisations
• For standard size optimisation problems: ships with built-in solver
• For solving large-scale problems: integrated interface to external solvers such as CPLEX and GUROBI¹

¹CPLEX and GUROBI licences to be purchased separately

• Determination of optimal locations, types, phase technology and sizes of capacitors
• Economic assessment considering costs of losses against installation costs under predefined voltage constraints
• Support of load variation via characteristics