Loss Estimation and Visualization in Distribution Systems using AMI and Recloser Data

Distribution system losses account for a large percentage of energy losses from generation to customer; however, utilities still have limited possibilities to determine or analyze losses in their networks. There is little or no awareness of current loss conditions in the system, and traditional loss studies typically focus on peak load scenarios. This lack of awareness is disadvantageous as losses convey information about system efficiencies and could indicate existing or impending outages. The approach proposed in this paper relies on already deployed AMI and recloser infrastructure and is used to evaluate distribution system losses over time and divided by load areas. The results are displayed in multiple ways in order to allow operators to assess the system state and to examine anomalies attributable to distribution losses. The paper presents the application of the developed algorithm to a real-world circuit.