Reconfigurable distribution automation and control laboratory: multiphase, radial power flow experiment

A multiphase, radial power flow experiment has been developed at Drexel University to provide students with hands-on learning experience in the operation and analysis of unbalanced power distribution systems. The experiment is set up within the Reconfigurable Distribution Automation and Control laboratory (RDAC). A Distribution Energy Management System (DMS) was developed with a graphical user interface for the experiment. The DMS provides students with real-time data from RDAC's distribution system, incorporates computer automated control and network reconfiguration capabilities, and performs calculations of power flows. In this paper, we will present: i) the hardware design and setup and ii) the software design of the multiphase power flow experiment.