Cots sparse matrix utilization in distribution power flow applications

Abstract

Sparse matrix is used in many modern industrial applications, to provide low cost and high performance solution. Unlike a number of previous works in the field of distribution networks, which analyzed the sparse matrix calculations as integral part of its calculation engine, this paper presents the considerations and analysis for the utilization of commercial of-the-shelf sparse matrix solvers (COTS SMS). Analysis is given for the parallel direct sparse solver utilized in unbalanced and unsymmetrical Distribution System Power Flow solution, which maximizes parallelization on multi-core processors. Optimal matrix population algorithm and container class from the power network object model is proposed for the fast population, search and access to the matrix elements. Optimal use cases of symmetrical and unsymmetrical matrices for the given method are analyzed. Test results for the Current Injection-Power Flow algorithm on a Three-Phase large scale system are presented which show the performance scales for symmetric and unsymmetrical matrices over a scope of system sizes and for different network topologies. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.