Load Flow Study of a 69-Bus Radial Distribution Network with Optimal Reactive Power Compensation

Abstract: This paper presents a load flow analysis of a 69-bus radial distribution system using MATLAB programming. Reactive power compensation is implemented through switched shunt capacitors to improve the voltage profile and system performance. The proposed approach determines suitable capacitor placement for effective reactive power injection at selected load buses. The developed MATLAB program calculates voltage magnitude and angle at each bus and identifies buses operating outside permissible voltage limits. Simulation results show that the installation of switched shunt capacitors significantly improves voltage regulation and brings the bus voltages within the specified range. The method is effective for enhancing voltage stability and maintaining a near-flat voltage profile in radial distribution networks.

Keywords: Radial distribution network, 69-bus test system, forward–backward sweep method, Reactive power injection, Voltage stability, Capacitor placement, MATLAB.