Parameter identification of unknown radial grids for theft detection

This paper proposes an algorithm to detect the stealing of electricity by illegal connections in smart grids with unknown or uncertain cable lengths. Many new applications in the rising smart grid context will require information of the grid topology. We show that with measurement data of smart meters, the grid can be identified, as well as the phase of connection. One of the applications requiring grid information is the detection of electricity theft by double feeding. Electricity theft is a problem faced by all power utilities. Financial impacts are a reduced income for the system operator and the necessity to charge more to other customers. Stealing of electricity by double feeding can not be detected by the smart meter or by analysing the load profiles. Therefore it is suggested in this paper to use measurements of smart meters to identify the grid parameters and detect irregularities of specific customers.