Current-based power flow calculation methods for distribution systems

This chapter presents three current-based power flow calculation methods devoted to distribution systems, namely, the branch current-based load flow (BCBLF), the admittance matrix-based load flow (AMBLF) and the classical BFSLF. Due to similarities, the BCBLF and the AMBLF are presented simultaneously. The formulations presented are devoted to three-phase radial distribution systems; however, the AMBLF can be successfully applied to meshed distribution systems exactly as it is presented. After describing the basic theoretical aspects of the methods, detailed results based on small size distribution networks are presented and discussed.