Techniques for improving power flow convergence

The power flow calculation provides the starting point for most power systems analysis. This paper identifies a few common challenges to power flow convergence that typically arise when working with automatic controls and heavily loaded systems. It introduces new techniques and enhancements to existing methods that enable power flow algorithms to handle automatic control adjustments, generator voltage regulation, and problematic contingency events more deftly. Its recommendations can help improve the performance of power flow solution engines in handling the rigors of modern power systems analysis