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(ABSTRACT) This work presents a software framework for power system analysis, PowerFrame. It is composed of four layers. This four-layer architecture is designed for extensibility and reusability so that more complex power system problems can be tackled within the architecture. In the context of PowerFrame, this work explores complex power system problems. Included in these problems are parallel-placed cables with multiple conductors, and distributed resources operating in unbalanced power distribution systems. Mathematical models are derived. Errors between more exact models and conventional approaches are presented. PowerFrame is also designed to handle distributed computation for intensive power system calculations on multiple, networked computers. Distributed power flow algorithms are presented. Tests on Ethernet LANs show the feasibility of distributed computation under current computer network bandwidth. Fangxing Li Acknowledgments ii