Shunt Detection in Electricity Meters Using Low-Pass Filter Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting energy theft by identifying a shunt between the power input and output of an electricity consumption meter are complex, imprecise, and unable to locate the fraud on low voltage electricity distribution networks, leading to significant non-technical losses.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines current intensities between the power input and output of the meter, calculates individual current values or vector sums, and uses a low-pass filter to detect the presence of a shunt, allowing for precise localization of fraud by analyzing signal modifications and power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods are used to detect energy theft by identifying shunts, then detection capability is provided, but the method is complex and imprecise and cannot locate the fraud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computational methods with a simple signal processing approach using a low-pass filter. Instead of calculating differences between total supplied and consumed energy (which requires complex data processing and estimation of line losses), the invention uses a physical filter to directly process the signal and detect shunt presence based on signal modification characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the necessary detection function from the complex energy theft detection system. By using a low-pass filter to analyze signal modifications, it isolates the specific characteristic that indicates shunt presence, eliminating the need for complex calculations involving total energy supplied, total energy consumed, and line loss estimations.
2Measurement precision
If signal processing is used to detect shunts, then detection capability is improved, but the method cannot pinpoint the location of theft on the grid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detected shunt information is communicated back to the utility company or energy supplier. The system provides feedback not only on the presence of shunts but also on their location, enabling targeted responses to energy theft incidents at specific grid points.
3Reliability
If complex detection methods are implemented, then detection coverage is provided, but the method remains imprecise due to the need to estimate line losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces estimation-based computational methods with direct signal processing using a low-pass filter. This physical approach eliminates the need to estimate line losses through complex calculations, providing more reliable and precise detection by directly measuring signal modifications caused by shunts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables simple, economical, and efficient detection of shunts, allowing for accurate localization of energy theft, thereby reducing non-technical losses and improving fault location precision in electricity distribution networks.
Implementation Method 1
the modification of the first signal at the transformation element level includes an attenuation of the first signal by using a low-pass type filter
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves generating a signal and modifying the signal by a conversion component at an electricity consumption meter (10) between a power input (12) and a power output (14) of the meter. Another signal is analyzed between the component and the power output. Presence or absence of a shunt (15) between the power input and the power output of the meter is deduced. Intensities of currents circulating in power conductors between the input and the output are determined, where individual values of current and/or a vectorial sum of the currents and/or a differential value are determined. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for locating fraud by derivation of an electricity consumption reading meter placed on an electricity distribution network (2) a device for detecting shunt between power input and power output of an electricity consumption meter.