Engineering-Based Steady-State Analysis of Voltage Profile and Power Flow in Three-Phase Unbalanced Distribution Systems

Abstract

This study presents a detailed engineering-based assessment of the steady-state electrical behavior of three-phase unbalanced distribution systems. The
modeling and simulation were conducted on a professional-grade engineering platform, enabling high-resolution analysis of phase asymmetries inherent in
the system. Power flow distribution, voltage profiles, regulator responses, and system losses were examined on a per-phase basis to capture the impact of
asymmetrical loading conditions. According to the simulation results, voltage unbalance factors reached up to 1.2% with voltage deviations exceeding 2.5% at
certain nodes, and significant drops were observed especially in phase C at terminal busbars. Most of the total active and reactive power losses were concentrated in heavily loaded phases and long feeder branches, and these losses were calculated as 111.06 kW and 324.65 kVAr, respectively. The findings provide
a technically based reference for understanding the voltage behavior in unbalanced systems. In addition, this study contributes to the development of phase
balancing strategies, regulator control algorithms, and advanced load integration scenarios within distribution networks. The findings provide a technically
based reference for understanding the voltage behavior in unbalanced systems and serve as a foundation for future investigations into harmonics, probabilistic
load dynamics, and renewable energy integration.

Cite this article as: Firiş FA. Engineering-based steady-state analysis of voltage profile and power flow in three-phase unbalanced distribution systems. Turk
J Electr Power Energy Syst. Published online October 20, 2025. doi: 10.5152/tepes.2025.25023.