Loadability and Voltage Stability Assessment in PV-Integrated Distribution Networks Using Enhanced Backward/Forward Sweep and Load Factor

Karrabi, Farhad; Karrabi, Mohammad; Jabari, Farkhondeh; Hajiabadi, Mohammad Ebrahim

doi:10.22109/jemt.2026.565243.1583

Loadability and Voltage Stability Assessment in PV-Integrated Distribution Networks Using Enhanced Backward/Forward Sweep and Load Factor

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Farhad Karrabi ¹

Mohammad Karrabi ²

Farkhondeh Jabari ³

Mohammad Ebrahim Hajiabadi ¹

¹ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

² Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

³ Power Systems Operation and Planning Research Department, Niroo Research Institute (NRI), Tehran, Iran

10.22109/jemt.2026.565243.1583

Abstract

This paper explores static voltage stability enhancement in radial distribution feeders by integrating PV farms, utilizing a backward-forward sweep (BFS) load flow. Increasing penetration of distributed generation, such as PV systems, introduces challenges in maintaining voltage stability within distribution networks. Traditional load flow techniques often fail to address these issues efficiently in radial feeders. Meanwhile, BFS offers a robust solution by iteratively solving power flow equations from end nodes backward to source one, then forward to update voltages. A case study is conducted on a standard IEEE 33-bus radial distribution grid to evaluate performance. PV farms are placed at selected nodes to assess their impact on voltage profiles and stability margins. Numerical results demonstrate that strategic PV integration significantly improves voltage stability, reducing active power losses and enhancing system loadability. Sensitivity analyses examine effects of varying load levels on static voltage stability of system. Key findings indicate that BFS effectively identifies weak nodes to mitigate voltage instability. Compared to conventional algorithms, this approach provides faster convergence and higher accuracy in radial grid

Keywords

Radial distribution system

Backward-Forward Sweep (BFS)

Static voltage stability

Load factor

Photovoltaic (PV)

Subjects