Segmented transmission delay based decoupling for parallel simulation of a distribution network

The introduction of inverters and power electronic devices increases the amount of calculation needed for electromagnetic transient simulation in distribution networks with a high proportion of distributed generation. Hence, the parallel calculation of electromagnetic transient simulation has become an effective way to improve its efficiency. To realize efficient parallel simulation, a method to decouple transmission lines in the distribution network based on the segmented transmission delay model is proposed, which divides the line into two segments according to different transmission delays. The transmission delay of one segment is an integral multiple of the simulation step used for line decoupling, whereas the other segment is a lumped parameter model, which makes it equivalent to the original line. In addition, an interface for the distribution network based on the segmented transmission delay model is designed and implemented, and the decoupling simulation of a distribution network is performed. Finally, using the simulation examples of IEEE 34 and IEEE 123 node test feeders, the proposed decoupling method is compared with other established methods. It is found to be more accurate and efficient as well as more suitable for the parallel computation of a distribution network simulation than the comparison methods.