ETAP Knowledge Base

Load Flow Convergence/Divergence or Mismatch Issues

Description: Load Flow Convergence/Divergence or Mismatch Issue

Category: Load Flow, Convergence/Divergence
Type: Simulation
Keywords: Load Flow, LF, Divergence, Mismatch, Newton-Raphson, Fast-Decoupled,
Accelerated Gauss-Seidel

The Load Flow (LF) calculation may not reach a solution or it may diverge due to the given initial
conditions on the system. To resolve the divergence or mismatch issue, we suggest:

1) Run a Load Flow Newton-Raphson method calculation with a precision value equal to
0.0001 and the parameters indicated on the image below. The Fast-decoupled or
Accelerated Gauss-Siedel methods may also be used to reach a load flow solution.

2) Then run subsequent LF calculations with smaller precision values (0.00001 to

0.0000001) until a LF calculation solution is reached with the smallest precision value,
and no mismatch message is generated.
3) If a Load Flow converge/divergence issues still persist, possible issues may be caused
by %PFs, kVA/MVA ratings at the loads, and unit length on cables, etc.

If this suggestion does not resolve the issue, please send us your project file for troubleshooting
so that we provide a solution to the issue.

This document is confidential and proprietary to Operation Technology, Inc. and may not be reproduced, published or disclosed to
others without the written authorization of Operation Technology, Inc., 17 Goodyear, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. © 2010 by
Operation Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

© Operation Technology, Inc. Page 1 of 2 ETAPKB

ETAP Knowledge Base

Load Flow Convergence/Divergence or Mismatch Issues

Update: If time is an issue and sending the project to us is not a favorable option, you can try
the following steps.

1. Keep in mind that the issue is caused by values that you have entered into particular
elements (e.g.: transformer, cables, etc.. in the ETAP model)
2. Take a few elements, or an entire substation, out of service and run Load Flow Analysis
3. If the same error occurs, then repeat step 2.
4. Repeat step 2 until ETAP does not give you the error anymore.
5. Now put the last element that you put out of service previously back into service and run
load flow.
6. Repeat step 5 until the error appears again. When the error appears, you’ll know which
element (or substation) caused the problem.

The problem could be a wrong value or maybe there is an issue somewhere else
upstream such as an overloaded transformer caused by that element and its neighboring
elements.

This document is confidential and proprietary to Operation Technology, Inc. and may not be reproduced, published or disclosed to
others without the written authorization of Operation Technology, Inc., 17 Goodyear, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. © 2010 by
Operation Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

© Operation Technology, Inc. Page 2 of 2 ETAPKB