Field test results of a self-monitored supervisor current transformer to reduce non-technical losses
Reduction of non technical losses, in electrical systems, is a huge challenge. Cepel has developed and patented a solution for monitoring electric metering systems based on intelligent instrument transformers, in order to reduce non-technical losses and monitor all billing metering equipment. The main focus of this solution is applied to customers premises connected through indirect metering system. One of these devices is the so called Self-Monitored Current Transformers (TCAMs) and its other simplified version, Self-Monitored Current Supervisor (FCAM). Tests were performed before in both prototypes of these devices at the CEPEL's laboratories, indicating positive aspects and great potential for the use in utilities. This paper describes additional results obtained from field tests, with three prototypes of FCAMs connected in low-voltage premises, in which electrical energy measurement uses conventional current transformers. Comparisons between data measured by the FCAMs and the electric energy meter are performed in these installations, in order to validate the performance of this solution in real operational condition. The results demonstrate that the proposed TCAM / FCAM solution can be an excellent tool to diagnose and reduce non-technical losses.