Sensitivity factors for distribution systems

The changes in branch flows and nodal voltages with respect to a change in current injection at a particular node, defined as current transfer distribution factors (CTDF), are useful sensitivity factors for distribution system analysis. In addition, the changes in branch flows due to the outage of a particular branch, defined as branch outage distribution factors (BODF), are useful in many distribution system analysis and optimization applications. This paper uses a set of linear power flow (LPF) equations to derive both the CTDFs and BODFs for distribution systems. Applications of the proposed sensitivity factors are discussed through illustrative examples in optimal placement of distributed generation/capacitor banks as well as minimum-loss network reconfiguration.