On the Solvability of Steady-State Load Flow Problems for Multi-Carrier Energy Systems

The coupling of single-carrier network into multicarrier energy systems (MES) has recently become more important. Conventional single-carrier steady-state load flow models are not able to capture the full extent of the coupling. Different models for multi-carrier networks have been proposed, either based on the energy hub concept or using a case specific approach. However, the effect of the coupling on solvability and well-posedness of the integrated system of non-linear equations has not been discussed. Using a general load flow model on a small example MES, this paper discusses the problems arising due the coupling of single-carrier networks, and provides guidelines to obtain a solvable steady-state load flow model for MES.