Load-Flow Studies

Load-flow studies are performed to determine the steady-state operation of an electric power system. A load-flow study calculates the voltage drop on each feeder, the voltage at each bus, and the power flow in all branch and feeder circuits. Losses in each branch and total system power losses are also calculated.

Load-flow studies determine if system voltages remain within specified limits under various contingency conditions, and whether equipment such as transformers and conductors are overloaded. Load-flow studies are often used to identify the need for additional generation, capacitive, or inductive VAR support, or the placement of capacitors and/or reactors to maintain system voltages within specified limits.

S&C uses the latest software in preparing load-flow studies, including PTI’s Power Simulator for Engineering, Power System Analysis Framework-Flow, SKM DAPPER, and CYMDIST (for studies involving distribution systems).