Probabilistic Models for Daily Peak Loads at Distribution Feeders

Abstract: Load forecasting at distribution networks is more challenging than load forecasting at transmission networks because its load pattern is more stochastic and unpredictable. To plan sufficient resources and estimate DER hosting capacity, it is invaluable for a distribution network planner to get the probabilistic distribution of daily peak-load under a feeder over long term. In this paper, we model the probabilistic distribution functions of daily peak-load under a feeder using power law distributions, which is tested by improved Kolmogorov Smirnov test enhanced by the Monte Carlo simulation approach. In addition, the uncertainty of the modeling is quantified using the bootstrap method. The methodology of parameter estimation of the probabilistic model and the hypothesis test is elaborated in detail. In the case studies, it is shown using measurement data sets that the daily peak loads under several feeders follow the power law distribution by applying the proposed testing methods.