Zonal load estimation studies in radial power distribution networks

This paper presents further investigation into load estimation in unbalanced, radial power distribution networks given limited real-time measurements. The authors' previous method (2000) is improved and detailed simulation results are provided on a 394-bus power distribution network. Comments on the properties of the measurement Jacobian are included to justify the proposed zonal method. Results are evaluated using different proposed performance indices. Convergence of the proposed algorithm and effects of meter placement on load estimates are also addressed.