A sensitivity approach for calculating power losses and bus voltages in radial distribution grids
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54939/1859-1043.j.mst.110.2026.63-73Keywords:
Radial distribution grids; Power flow; Sensitivity analysis; Power loss sensitivity factors; Voltage sensitivity factors.Abstract
This paper presents a sensitivity-based method for the calculation of power losses and nodal voltages in power distribution systems. Sensitivity factors of power losses and voltage magnitudes with respect to nodal power injections based on the exploitation of the radial structure of distribution grids are rigorously represented. The power losses and voltages attained from this sensitivity approach are validated using a six-bus distribution system and compared with the Alternating Current Power Flow (ACPF) method that solves non-linear power flow equations iteratively and provides accurate solutions. The calculated findings show that sensitivity method errors are minor and highly acceptable in comparison with the ACPF method when power injections vary slightly. For voltages, the computed results from both techniques are nearly the same.
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