MATPOWER Case Files for IEEE 33-Bus Distribution Network

MATPOWER is a widely-used power system analysis and simulation toolbox in MATLAB, primarily designed for power flow calculations, optimal power flow (OPF), and other electrical network analysis tasks. However, the standard MATPOWER library does not include the IEEE 33-bus distribution network test case, which represents a common requirement for distribution system research.

The IEEE 33-bus distribution network model serves as a classic test system for validating distribution network power flow, voltage stability, and distributed energy resource (DER) integration studies. This model comprises 33 nodes and is typically used to analyze radial or weakly-meshed distribution network characteristics.

Since MATPOWER's default test cases (such as IEEE 14-bus, 30-bus, or 118-bus systems) are primarily designed for transmission systems, researchers and engineers often need to construct or import custom 33-bus distribution network case files. These custom case files typically require the following key components implemented through MATPOWER's data structures:

Network topology: Node connection relationships, branch impedance and admittance parameters represented in the branch matrix
Load data: Active and reactive power demands at each node specified in the bus matrix
Base voltage: Distribution networks typically use 12.66 kV or similar voltage levels as reference
Slack Bus: Usually selected as the main substation or grid connection point defined in the bus type parameters

When performing 33-bus distribution network simulations with MATPOWER, note that the default Newton-Raphson method may exhibit poor convergence for distribution networks with high R/X ratios. In such cases, alternative algorithms like the Forward-Backward Sweep method - which can be implemented using MATPOWER's optional solvers or custom functions - may be more suitable for distribution network analysis.

For research involving distributed generation (DG), microgrids, or voltage regulation issues, you can extend the base IEEE 33-bus model by adding components like photovoltaics, wind turbines, or energy storage systems through MATPOWER's generator data structure modifications. This enables validation of different control strategies by adjusting parameters in the case file's generator and branch matrices.