Load estimation for distribution systems with minimum information

The operation of distribution systems requires a rather high number of planned or forced switching operations. In order to prepare them, it is necessary to estimate loads at different levels in the system. This paper proposes a load estimation method for distribution systems with minimum information available. The purpose of the load estimation method presented in this paper is the economic and efficient use of the available remote measurements in the distribution system considering typical measurements from the past and knowledge of load composition and load behaviour at the distribution transformers' level. The method is load‐flow based, and its capability, efficiency and accuracy are demonstrated by application on a practical distribution system. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.