Process for detecting energy theft

摘要

The present invention relates generally to detecting energy theft within an energy distribution system and more particularly to systems and methods for detecting energy discrepancies in voltages and/or currents reported by electric meters present in a distribution circuit, without requiring installation of additional hardware at the transformer. Typically, the location of each of at least two meters is determined with respect to a transformer. The line resistances within the distribution circuit are determined starting with a line resistance farthest from the transformer. Estimated line voltages are determined for at least one electric meter using the estimated line resistances, and the estimated voltages are compared to actual voltage readings for the at least one electric meter. The existence of line loss is determined based on this comparison.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a transformer; a first electric meter in electrical communication with the transformer via a first electrical line; a second electric meter in electrical communication with the transformer via a second electrical line, the second electric meter located a farther distance from the transformer than the first electric meter; a server in electrical communication with the transformer, the first electric meter, and the second electric meter, wherein the server:
receives actual voltage and current samples taken substantially simultaneously from both of the first and second electric meters during at least two successive time periods;determines the location of the first electric meter and the second electric meter with respect to the transformer;estimates a resistance along the second electrical line based on the received actual voltage and current samples from both of the first and second electric meters taken during the at least two successive time periods;calculates an expected voltage for the second electric meter based on the estimated resistance of the second electrical line;compares the expected voltage for the second electric meter with one or more of the actual voltage samples for the second electric meter; anddetermines the existence of line loss along the second electrical line if said comparison results in a difference that is greater than a predetermined threshold.