Abstract
This paper presents a new power-flow method for analyzing unbalanced distribution networks. In this method, an unbalanced distribution network is decomposed to: 1) main three-phase network with three-phase tine segments and 2) unbalanced laterals with two-phase and single-phase line segments. The proposed method allows solving the main three-phase network based on the decoupled positive-, negative, and zero-sequence networks. The unbalanced laterals are solved using the forward/backward method in phase components. The solution process involves three main steps. Firstly, in phase components, the backward step is executed to calculate an equivalent current injection for each unbalanced lateral. Secondly, the main three-phase network is solved in sequence components. The standard Newton-Raphson and fast decoupled methods are used for solving the positive-sequence network whereas the negative- and zero-sequence networks are represented by two nodal voltage equations. Finally, in phase components, the forward step is performed to update the voltages in the unbalanced laterals. The three-steps are repeated till convergence happen. Distribution network characteristics such as line coupling, transformer phase shifts, voltage regulators, PV nodes, capacitor banks, and spot or distributed loads with any type and connection are considered. Solution of unbalanced radial feeders shows that the proposed hybrid algorithm is accurate.