Practical method for computing the maximum loading point using a load flow with step size optimisation

A fast, practical maximum loading point (MLP) calculation method is proposed in this study. The calculation process is based both on the geometrical properties of the load parameter space feasibility boundary and a load flow method with step size optimisation. Moreover, a practical procedure is added to the overall calculation process to include the operator´s information on the acceptable error in the final result. The basic process is characterised by obtaining consecutive approximations of the MLP within the infeasible region. In each step, a correction factor based on the maximum acceptable error in the final MLP is applied. Reactive power generation limits are taken into account. The MLP is accurately obtained after just a few iterations, demonstrating that the proposed method is very efficient. Simulation results for IEEE test and realistic systems are shown to validate the proposed method.