Insights
Modelling Approach

Introducing the Modular Power Flow Approach

It's time to shift the needle for DSOs with a new standard for distribution system analysis.

As renewable integration accelerates and the electrification of transport and heating gains pace, DSOs are under increasing pressure. Distribution networks are being driven to their operational limits. To better utilise existing infrastructure, DSOs are increasingly using controls, which creates complex interdependencies across the grid. In this environment, traditional power flow methods are no longer enough. They often struggle to cope with extensive networks that span high- to low-voltage levels.

A toolbox for DSOs

Magnus Energy offers a powerful alternative for DSOs. Our toolbox for power systems simulation, optimisation, and data analysis addresses these challenges with an innovative, modular approach to power flow analysis.

“DSOs face unprecedented challenges — and solutions always start with Power System Analysis”

The Modular Power Flow Approach

Our Modular Power Flow approach supports the separate analysis of different system portions without introducing significant inaccuracies, also in the presence of grid-state-dependent controls. Unlike conventional methods, it facilitates the systematic validation of limit compliance throughout the entire distribution network, eliminating the need to assume conservative voltage limits at the MV level. This allows for a highly precise and scalable steady-state analysis of today’s – and tomorrow’s – distribution systems.

The question the Modular Power Flow Approach helps asnwer

What kinds of questions can we now help answer? A lot!

  • How will load and generation evolve in my network in the next decades?
  • What is the available rooftop area for photovoltaic installations in my region?
  • How to create meaningful capacity maps for my network?
  • What is the maximum additional load and generation my network can accommodate without breaching network limits?
  • What are the optimal locations for connecting large renewable energy projects?
  • When should I implement measures to mitigate limit violations timely?
  • How effectively does a specific control strategy enhance my network’s hosting capacity, and what are its potential side effects?
  • Which local control strategy would best increase my network’s hosting capacity?
  • How should TSO-DSO coordination schemes be designed to meet the needs of DSOs?
  • What level of investment is required for reinforcing my medium and low-voltage networks in the coming decades?
  • What are the optimal reinforcement strategies for my medium and low-voltage networks?
  • How much can the reinforcement needs be reduced by applying a particular control strategy?
  • What is the state of my network, and how do voltage limits at different system boundaries vary over time?
  • What do customer consumption patterns look like, and how to use smart meter data as an input for my network analyses?
  • What is the switching state of my distribution network, and what are the optimal tap positions of my distribution transformers?
  • How to create interactive capacity maps for my customers?
  • How can I automate specific analysis tasks, such as the pre-validation of connection requests?
  • How can I optimise the dispatch of distributed flexibility resources?
  • …

    Learn more about this approach and the toolbox in this download.

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    Clients

    Distribution Network Operators, Distribution System Operators

    Industry Topics

    Flexibility, DSOs, Sector Coupling

    Services

    Energy Modelling & Strategies

    Contact

    Dr. Daniel-Leon Schultis

    Technical Expert