Analysis of voltage unbalance in a distribution system via OpenDSS software

In order to measure the voltage unbalance in distribution systems, the K-factor calculation is generally used. However, there are several recurrent methods in the literature to calculate this factor. This research aims to analyze the behavior of an electrical distribution system (DS) in relation to voltage unbalance (VU) to better understand, characterize and quantify the variables involved. From the simulation of the 13-bus IEEE distribution system via OpenDSS software, it was sought to better represent the unbalance degree expressed in the system, represented per K-factor, by comparing the values presented in the four used methods. Based on the observed results, it is concluded that, despite the methods result in distinct absolute values, all of them have practically the same pattern.