Load Monitoring Using Distributed Voltage Sensors and Current Estimation Algorithms

A major feature of the smart grid is its diverse load management opportunities for customers, which calls for innovative techniques for load monitoring. This paper presents a method to monitor loads in commercial and small industrial facilities using a set of distributed voltage sensors and current estimation algorithms. The technique is especially suited for facilities where it is difficult to measure loads directly but the load voltages can be sensed. A state-estimation-like current estimation algorithm is proposed to estimate the load currents using the voltages sensed at the terminals of the loads. Currents and powers collected from a limited number of panels are also utilized to provide redundancy for the estimation. Case studies have shown that the proposed method represents a promising alternative measurement strategy for load monitoring.