Complex normalization to perform power flow analysis in emerging distribution systems

This paper aims to apply the complex per unit normalization concept in distribution systems in order to make the application of decoupled-based power flow feasible and more efficient. With definition of an adequate base angle, the typical high R/X ratio of distribution feeders can be surpassed, enabling the application of decoupled methods to solve the power flow in the emerging distribution systems, which have been characterized by a meshed topology and high penetration of generation sources. Different distribution network configurations are tested, including meshed operation and presence of distributed generation sources, and some results are presented to show the performance and feasibility of the proposed approach. The study seeks to show the advantages of the complex normalization and the simplicity of adapting it on existing power flow programs.