A review of power flow analysis techniques for renewable energy integration

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into power systems presents numerous challenges due to their intermittent and distributed nature. Power flow analysis (PFA) is critical for understanding the behavior of power systems with high penetration of renewables, ensuring stability, reliability, and efficient operation. This review paper explores various power flow analysis techniques, their applications, and their effectiveness in integrating renewable energy sources into modern power systems. Key methods, including Newton-Raphson, Gauss-Seidel, Fast Decoupled Load Flow, and novel approaches like stochastic and probabilistic power flow analyses, are examined. The paper also discusses advancements in software tools and the future direction of power flow studies in the context of renewable energy integration.