Development of three-phase distribution power flow using common information model

Effective analysis on the distribution system will rely heavily on an accurate and interoperable three-phase power flow. One of the major challenges for distribution power flow development has been standardization of data modeling between developers. Developer-specific data models make it difficult to compare algorithms as well as challenging to integrate power flow applications with other distribution analysis tools. EPRI's common information model (CIM) provides a standard data representation of power system objects for the transmission system based on object-oriented methodology. This paper proposes a general data model for three-phase distribution power flow using CIM schema. Possible extensions, such as three-phase attribute and feeder model, are discussed. By using object-oriented design patterns, common characteristics of distribution power flow are captured and modeled. The proposed power flow model supports different algorithms and is easy to modify and upgrade. This model also reduces the effort of interfacing power flow applications with other applications or systems.