Load Flow-Based Method for Nontechnical Electrical Loss Detection and Location in Distribution Systems Using Smart Meters

This work presents an innovative load flow-based approach that uses measurement data from smart meters to detect and locate nontechnical losses (NTL). This approach is focused on identifying loads illegally connected to the distribution system and requires measurements potentially available from smart meters: voltage magnitude, active and reactive powers. For the application of the proposed load flow-based approach, the load buses are modeled as QV buses, i.e., buses in which the reactive power and voltage magnitude values are specified. The buses with noticeable difference between the measured and calculated active powers are indicated as possible NTL locations. The proposed method is tested in unbalanced distribution systems and the results are promising mainly considering its application in secondary distribution systems.