Digital Methods Applied to Power Flow Studies

This paper attempts to present the theoretical foundations of different methods of solution developed for load flow problems in a didactic form. The load flow problem is first defined. A classification of different methods of solution is proposed. This classification consists of three groups: nodal admittance, variational, and nodal impedance matrix methods. Convergence characteristics of several methods programmed by the authors are presented, using the example system given by Ward and Hale. Finally, criteria for comparison of different methods and possible future developments are presented.