Modeling and Analysis of Distribution Power System at UFLA Using OpenDSS

Authors

Keywords:

Deterministic Power Flow, Distribution System Planning, Capacitor Bank Sizing

Abstract

The increasing integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in power distribution networks demands accurate system modeling and reliable power flow analysis. This paper presents a structured methodology for modeling a real Electrical Distribution System (EDS) using OpenDSS, applied to the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Brazil. Due to the lack of georeferenced data, the method combines satellite-based geolocation with load characterization from real measurements and statistical distributions. The model supports deterministic and time-series power flow simulations under three conditions: without DERs, with a 1.2 MWp photovoltaic plant, and with additional power factor correction. To achieve this, an incremental algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal size of a fixed capacitor bank at the feeder, improving the power factor without violating constraints. Results showed that DER integration reverses power flow, increases losses, and reduces the power factor, which also becomes variable and highly dependent on photovoltaic generation, but is improved by the proposed algorithm. This methodology enables effective, simplified modeling and analysis of real-world EDSs.

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Author Biographies

Sílvia Costa Ferreira, Federal University of Lavras

Silvia Costa Ferreira received her B.Sc. (2010), M.Sc. (2012), and Ph.D. (2016) degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), Brazil. She is currently a Professor at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Brazil. Her research interests are focused on Electrical Engineering, with particular emphasis on Industrial Electronics and Automation, encompassing power electronics, distributed generation systems, microgrids, control systems, and electrical power systems.

Ronnielli Chagas de Oliveira, Federal University of Lavras

Ronnielli Chagas de Oliveira received the B.Sc. in Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering from Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (2016) and the M.Sc. in Systems and Automation Engineering from UFLA (2021). He has worked as a technical instructor at CEFET-MG and other Anima Group institutions, also delivering professional training on distributed generation systems. Currently, he works in distributed generation and microgrids.

Alexandre de Araújo, National Institute of Telecommunications – Inatel

Alexandre de Araujo received the B.Sc. in Control and Automation Engineering from Faculdade Anhanguera de Jacareí (2018) and the M.Sc. in Systems and Automation Engineering from UFLA (2024). He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Telecommunications at INATEL. His professional activities include electrical project design, distributed generation, industrial automation, and project management in the electrical sector.

Alexandre Luiz da Silva, Federal University of Lavras

Alexandre Luiz da Silva received the B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from CEFET-MG, Nepomuceno Campus (2021). He is currently pursuing a master's degree in Systems and Automation Engineering at UFLA. At UFLA, he works as an Electromechanical Technician in the Engineering Department. Concurrently, he is involved in electrical project development, distributed generation systems, and serves as a co-owner of a solar energy company.

Marcelo Arriel Rezende, Federal University of Lavras

Marcelo Arriel Rezende received the B.Sc. in Industrial Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of São João del Rei (2007) and a specialization in Occupational Safety Engineering from the University of Campinas (2010). He is an Electrical Engineer at UFLA and has extensive experience in industrial, building, and power distribution electrical projects. His expertise includes industrial and building electrical projects, medium and low-voltage distribution, and distributed energy systems.

João Paulo de Carvalho Pedroso, Federal University of Lavras

Joao Paulo de Carvalho Pedroso received the B.Sc. (2015) in Water Resources Engineering from the Federal University of Itajubá and the M.Sc. (2022) in Systems and Automation Engineering from UFLA, Brazil. He received the Ph.D. (2025) in Agricultural Engineering from UFLA and served as a Visiting Researcher (2023–2024) at the Center for Research on Microgrids (CROM), Aalborg University, Denmark. His research interests include microgrids, energy management, multi-objective optimization, and renewable energy systems.

Joaquim Paulo da Silva, Federal University of Lavras

Joaquim Paulo da Silva received the B.Sc. degree in Industrial Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of São João Del-Rei (1988), the M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Itajubá (1993), and the Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (2001). He is currently a Full Professor at the Federal University of Lavras, where his research focuses on photovoltaic and wind renewable energies, energy efficiency, and innovation in new materials.

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Published

2025-11-01

How to Cite

Costa Ferreira, S., Chagas de Oliveira, R. ., de Araújo, A., Luiz da Silva, A., Arriel Rezende, M., de Carvalho Pedroso, J. P. ., & Paulo da Silva, J. (2025). Modeling and Analysis of Distribution Power System at UFLA Using OpenDSS. IEEE Latin America Transactions, 23(12), 1261–1270. Retrieved from https://latamt.ieeer9.org/index.php/transactions/article/view/9769

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 12 (2025): Ordinary Issue

Section

Electric Energy