Modern power system monitoring and control for non-technical losses: Case study of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Power losses are still a measure problem in the electricity distribution sector. In fact, distribution system envisions the transfer of electricity of transmission system to customers for utilization in several activities. Nevertheless, a portion of the electric power produced by a utility is lost during the distribution process. Therefore, it is crucial to assure continuous monitoring in order to maintain power losses within admissible range. This can help power companies not only to minimize commercial loss but also to optimize their profitability. It can also guarantee the beneficial power quality of furnished energy as well as distribution system efficiency and reliability. In this perspective, this dissertation present a modified methodology for Technical Losses (TL) and Non-Technical Losses (NTL) analysis per feeder. The monitoring for these losses is carried out with the conception of an Automated Control Chart (ACC) established on a statistical approach. The ACC enables to detect any deviation of energy consumption out of the admissible deviation limits set by control parameters. The analyses performed herein make use of time series data measured on feeders of a real power supply located at Rutsuru in the DRC. Hence, the monitoring of the original data recorded at the date of 31st December 2020 on the Goma feeder generated the following results: detection of 9 data points allied with abnormal TL across the line and 3 data points associated with the NTL, mostly caused by hooking electricity from distribution line.