State estimation for real-time monitoring of distribution systems

Utilities currently use historical customer load data to forecast the loads in their distribution feeders for real-time feeder analysis and control. In this paper a three-phase state estimation method is developed to increase the accuracy of this load data. The method is based on the weighted least square approach and uses a three-phase node voltage formulation. The method can handle power, voltage, and current measurements. Test results indicate that state estimation can improve the forecasted load data by using real-time measurements. The effectiveness of branch current measurements were also tested.>