Voltage stability analysis of radial distribution networks using catastrophe theory

The voltage stability problem of distribution networks is associated with a rapid voltage drop because of heavy system load. The decline of voltage stability level will restrict the increase of load served by distribution companies. One of the serious consequences of the voltage stability problem is a system blackout, and this problem has received much attention of distribution companies. In this study, a new voltage stability index (VSI) is developed for identifying the most sensitive bus to the voltage collapse in radial distribution network. The analysis is based on the catastrophe theory to find a new VSI and the voltage stability boundary of a distribution system. Two tested 15- and 30-bus systems analysed to give an illustration of the feasibility of the proposed method.