Comparative Analysis of Linearized AC Power Flow Models for Power Distribution Systems

The increasing role of demand response, and renewable energy integration present challenges for power distribution systems (PDSs) planning and operation. PDSs must now operate in stochastic environments and varying conditions while ensuring reliability, resilience, and security. This paper compares five linearized AC power flow models commonly used in optimization problems. The models include: Cold Start, Hot Start, Warm Start, Least-Squares linearization, and Special-Ordered Sets of second-order (SOS2) linearization. Experimental comparisons using the 37-node IEEE test distribution system and Power Factory DigSILENT software demonstrate that the SOS2 model provides more accurate values for active/reactive power flow, voltage angles, and magnitudes in the operation and planning optimization problems studied.