In power engineering, the power flow study or load flow study is a numerical analysis of the flow of electrical energy in an interconnected system. A power flow study usually uses simplified notations such as a single-line diagram and a per-unit system, and focuses on various aspects of AC power parameters, such as voltages, voltage angles, real power, and reactive power. Analyses power systems in normal steady state operation.
Power flow or load flow studies are important for planning the future expansion of power systems as well as for determining the best operation of existing systems. The main information obtained from the power flow study is the magnitude and phase angle of the voltage on each bus and the actual and reactive power flowing in each line.
It is performed to investigate the magnitude and phase angle of the voltage on each bus and the actual and reactive power flows in the system components. Load flow analysis is of great importance in future expansion planning, stability studies, and determining the best economic operation for existing systems. Load flow results are also very valuable in establishing adequate protection devices to ensure the safety of the system. In order to perform a load flow study, complete data on the studied system, such as connection diagram, transformer and line parameters, nominal values of each equipment and assumed values of real and reactive power for each load must be provided. To analyze the performance of power systems in both normal operating conditions and fault conditions (short circuit). The analysis in normal steady-state operation is called a power flow study (load flow study) and is aimed at determining the actual and reactive power, current and voltage voltages in a system under certain load conditions. Studies is to plan ahead and account for various scenarios.
Load flow studies are commonly used to:
• Optimise the load of components or circuits
• Develop practical bus voltage profiles
• Identify the actual and reactive power flow
• Minimize kW and kVar losses
• Develop guidelines for equipment specifications
• Identify the appropriate transformer tap settings