Embedded Power System Monitoring Of Illegal Power Connections In Kenyan Domestic Supply
Abstract
Globally Technical Losses (TLs) and Non-
Technical Losses (NTLs) are a significant challenge for
power distribution systems. Mostly NTLs is caused by
illegal power connection which can be as much as half of all
the energy supplied in some countries. This implies that
power generated may not meet the demand and therefore the
power utilities are diverting to other types of power
generation that are cheaper, reliable and cost effective. High
demand for electric power that does not match the current
power generated always leads to shortage thus increasing
the cost per unit of electric energy consumed. This highly
affects the economy of any nation. Most utility company
experiences loss of revenue since illegally consumed power
cannot be measured or billed. The difference between the
total energy sent to the consumers and the sum of energy
consumed by all the connected consumers can be
determined, and the total amount of NTLs in the
distribution line evaluated. Also, the high losses incurred are
a burden to the legally connected consumers since it is
factored out in their bills. The scenario of NTLs is not
restricted to underdeveloped countries and the percentage
varies depending with the connected electric users. The
techniques used are illegal tap wiring and meter tampering
through security seal violations. The existing system in
Kenya does not identify the location where illegal
connection has occurred. The suggested embedded system
will remotely locate the users who attempts to tap power at
the service head which is not billed. The system will
communicate with the utility company immediately about
the status of the affected connection via Global System
Communication. This will protect the distribution network
in Kenya from high NTLs caused by illegal connections
thus lowering the cost of electricity
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4722https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=9219799