Electric distribution system load capability: problem formulation, solution algorithm, and numerical results

This paper undertakes the problem of determining the load capability of distribution networks, or, equivalently, the amount of load a feeder, specific area or circuit of a large-scale unbalanced distribution network can withstand before violating an operational constraint. A new formulation is given. A solution algorithm suitable for large-scale unbalanced distribution networks with capacitor control actions is developed and test results on a NYSEG 394-bus distribution network are included.