Fast distribution power flow using multi-processors

This paper develops a parallel method for fast distribution power flow studies using multi-processors. The method belongs to the class of coarse-grain and exhibits good convergence characteristic over a wide range of r/x ratio of distribution lines. The method can be applied to radial distribution systems. It uses only active and reactive power injections at the main feeder and at laterals as state variables; thus reducing the number of state variables. Radial distribution networks are mapped into the tree structure of a multi-processor system for allocating processes. The forward/backward sweep approach is realized by communication between the root processor and leaf processors. The proposed method is evaluated on various distribution systems including an actual system with promising results.