In-Field Validation of a Real-Time Monitoring Tool for Distribution Feeders

Real-time monitoring is a key tool for several automated features in distribution system. However, due to the limited number of real-time measurements, distribution system monitoring generally relies on load modeling procedures. This paper presents field results for a real-time monitoring tool that was implemented on a Brazilian distribution utility to provide load values for service restoration software. The implemented tool comprises two steps. The first step consists of preprocessing routines that provide the required information for a real-time load estimator that is executed in the second step. The field results provide evidence of the practical viability of the implemented real-time monitoring tool, demonstrating the tool overcomes some usual limitations of real-time load estimation procedures. More specifically, the implemented tool is able to handle multiple and different types of real-time measurements, treat real-time measurements on the feeder and not only in the head of the feeder, handle obviously bad data, and to satisfy the performance requirements on practically sized distribution systems. Besides proposing and confirming a real-time monitoring tool on a real distribution system, this paper shares valuable utility experience on providing new insights and the challenges faced for real-time monitoring projects.