problem
Electrical power losses, both technical and non-technical, are critical aspects in the efficient management of an electrical network.
Electrical grids must contend with increased energy demand due to the electrification of the economy and the effects stemming from the integration of distributed energy resources. The detection of losses in distribution networks is an increasingly concerning aspect for electric utilitiesWhat is each one and how can they be detected?
Technical losses can be attributed to the inefficiency of the electrical network itself (inherent resistance of conductors, transformers, and other components) or faults that result in ground leakages and may even pose a risk of electrical discharge to humans and animals. Electrical fraud, non-technical losses, can result from illegal connections or meter tampering. This not only leads to economic losses but also poses a risk to network safety and can increase the load, potentially causing unwanted power outages. The energy balance between delivered energy, measured by network sensors, and the energy billed through meters is an appropriate method for quantifying losses at different levels of the network. To ensure the reliability of this calculation, it is vital to have an error-free topology that indicates the connection of customers to the system. Then the results of energy balances clearly point out the areas where the network should be reviewed to identify the cause of the losses. In summary, network sensing and a reliable customer connection topology are essential in the efficient management of losses in an electrical network.solution
Loss detection and reduction: beyond energy balancing
In today’s energy-transition context, distribution system operators need to run their networks more efficiently through effective system digitalisation, as a complement to traditional network reinforcement. One of the primary objectives of a modern, digitalised grid is the detection and efficient reduction of losses. But merely “closing” energy balances in spreadsheets is not enough. Utilities need automated tools that assure inventory truth and connectivity, and that run continuous advanced analytics to detect, locate, and reduce technical and non-technical losses with precision. ARIADNA has developed a grid-wide solution that automates the construction of a 100% reliable network topology and, from a single environment, computes energy balances at different levels of the network—issuing detection alerts and prioritising interventions. How it works- Multi-level balancing at MV/LV substation, transformer, LV panel, and feeder levels.
- Imported and exported energy, with aggregation by feeder and network assets.
- Quantification of losses over selected date ranges.
- Visualisation of the resulting energy-balance profile.
- Shunt detection, calculation of defrauded energy, and time-based alerts for potential fraud.
- Detection of illegal direct connections: location, calculation of defrauded energy, and time-based alerts for potential fraud.
Results
- Automatic detection of tampered meters prior to field inspection.
- 100% reliable automatic network topology, enabling multi-level energy balancing.
- Detection and localisation of illegal direct connections.
- More than 95% reliability in detecting tampered meters via Shunt.
