The accurate information about distribution substation's load plays an important role in network expansion, operation and control. Distribution networks are usually confronted with lack of measurement devices due to their special configurations. Load estimation is suggested as one of the ways dealing with this problem. This paper proposes a new method of load estimation related to 20kv distribution substations. In the first step, fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) is employed in order to determine the most appropriate places of meters to install. Then, hourly loads in a specific period is obtained using measurement devices installed on distribution substations. In the next step, the load profiles of representative substations are used to construct pattern load profiles (PLPs). Finally, load profiles of all substations are estimated from extracted PLPs. The paper assumes the minimum number of measurement devices. In addition, the analyses are performed for a 33-bus standard system in order to approve method's transparent application.

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