Analysis of Software Tools Used for Load-Flow Studies

This Paper analyses load flow of a 5-bus power system using three different simulation tools, namely MATLAB Simulink, ETAP and Powerworld Simulator. The objective is not only to compare the results but also to analyse various software tools used with respect to accuracy and ease of use parameters. Out of the three methods of load flow analysis, namely, Gauss-Siedel (GS) load flow method, Newton-Raphson (NR) load flow method and Fast Decoupled load flow (FDLF) method, in this study, Newton-Raphson (NR) load flow method has been used because in this technique the solution obtained always converges, which makes this method suitable for analysing complex power systems with large number of buses. IEEE-5 bus system has been used for making the analysis and MATLAB tool has been used to arrive at the output data and data for comparing results obtained through other tools. Screenshots have been added in this study to give a real time feel.