Real-time Distribution Power Flow - lessons from practical implementations

The main purpose of using distribution power flow (DPF), integrated with DMS SCADA, is to obtain a solution based on real-time connectivity and measurements. DPF is a combination of the standard power flow, designed for distribution systems' specifics, and a measurement utilization procedure. This procedure uses all available measurements of active/reactive powers and currents, as well as voltages. It is based on load allocation and local controllers simulation. Measurement verification, validation, and detection of wrong/suspicious measurements are very important aspects of DPF. The problems that have caused the most difficulties during DPF practical implementation have been: bad observability of the distribution system, lack of consistency between some topologically connected measurements, lack of measurement redundancy, high ratio of I measurements compared to P and Q measurements, and lack of measurements on small generators. Real time distribution power flow, equipped with sophisticated load allocation functionality, provides feasible results that are acceptable for the industry