Loss and Theft Detection Solutions
The NES System transforms meters into intelligent end points on an energy network. The meters communicate over the low-voltage distribution lines with smart data concentrators that, in turn, communicate over an IP-based WAN to the NES System Software. By embedding both the advanced features and communications for the metering system in the electricity distribution network, the NES System creates grid intelligence.
This grid intelligence gives utilities much deeper insight into energy losses occurring on the network, either as a result of fraud or theft, or due to earth leakage. As a result, the NES System is particularly strong in the areas of loss and theft detection.
Detecting Loss and Theft
NES smart meters have multiple hardware triggers to detect tamper attempts, as well as software features that provide additional measures to detect these conditions. These features are augmented with end-to-end capabilities of the network, including the data concentrator and system software. Collectively, the system can detect a wide range of fault and fraud conditions.
Meters and Data Concentrators Work Together
The NES System offers a powerful set of features for detecting meter bypass or earth leakage. A CT (current transformer) meter installed at the low-voltage distribution transformer can record the total energy delivered to a network. This can be compared with the sum of energy values recorded by all individual meters to detect meter bypass. Meters detect alarms and latch them in nonvolatile memory. Data concentrators scan meters multiple times per hour and process urgent alarms immediately. Terminal cover tampering can be detected even if the meter cover is opened when the meter does not have power.
Power failures and individual phase loss conditions are logged and communicated. Reverse energy flow can be detected on individual phases. An alarm can be used to indicate potential wiring inversions for purposes of fraud. A patented methodology is used to detect phase rotation when a meter works with a data concentrator. Using reverse energy alarm and phase rotation, most wiring faults and fraud conditions can be detected.
Meters independently monitor voltage present on the output terminals and raise an alarm if voltage measured is unexpected. For example, an attempt to bypass a meter can be detected. Each meter has a unique serial number. Meter exchanges — such as adding or removing a meter — is monitored by the data concentrator and system software.
Load Profile Analysis
The NES System has powerful load profiling features. Since the NES System works as a complete system, rather than a standalone smart meter, energy behavior data can be leveraged for additional uses. Load profiling can be used to monitor consumption behavior and can be a powerful tool in detecting theft. It can be used to detect abnormally low peak loads, abrupt changes in usage patterns, or to detect outliers among similar consumers.
Key Attributes of the NES System that Support Dynamic Services and Pricing
- Hardware tamper detection triggers
- Detection of fraud attempts by meter bypass, meter exchange, and meter mis-wiring
- Multiple alarms with non-volatile memory storage
- Neighborhood-level communications for differential data analysis
- System-level differential data analysis (align)