A correction current injection method for power flow analysis of unbalanced multiple-grounded 4-wire distribution networks

• A power flow methodology, based on a Fringe Current Injection, is presented.
• The methodology is applicable to any asymmetrical structure and unbalanced operation.
• The approach is suited to analyze LV networks with multiple earthed neutral conductors.
• A real case network application that includes consumer load/generation is considered.
• Model validation is achieved through OpenDSS and PowerFactory software.

Power flow analysis of distribution networks incorporating LV consumer representation needs to be cognizant of an unbalanced load structure and the grounding network between the consumer and network operator (TNC-S earthing). In this paper, the asymmetrical 3-phase (and neutral) power flow problem is solved by a correction current injection methodology applied to a system represented by a complex admittance matrix. The correction current injection technique is adopted to adjust the power exchange of shunt elements, whose nominal admittances are included in the system admittance matrix, through suitable fringing currents in the iteration process. This methodology offers an improved and more robust alternative for asymmetrical network scenarios under unbalanced power flow conditions when compared to the standard power flow methodologies, such as the Newton–Raphson or the forward–backward sweep approaches. These well-known methods may encounter convergence issues as a consequence of the specific consumer/network earthing arrangements especially when they need to be defined throughout the network. The algorithm presented here has been applied to a 4-wire representation of a suburban distribution network within Dublin city, Ireland, which incorporates consumer connections at single-phase (230 V N). The analysis presented uses the correction-current injection power flow algorithm in conjunction with the network model to consider the impact of distributed wind and solar (PV) generation systems (DwG and DpvG respectively), for a range of load profiles.