THEREOF"

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates electricity theft from power utility distribution and more particularly relates to a theft deterrent system to prevent deterrent of electricity being supplied by the power distribution utility.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Presently and in the past, consumers as well as unauthorised persons or non- registered consumers have been attempting or engaged in stealing power from the electricity utility authorities or company' s low voltage distribution network. The cost of generating, transmitting and distributing electricity has been increasing over the years. Also, a number of individuals or entrepreneurs are engaged in finding out alternate ways and means of stealing electrical energy such that the electricity utility authorities are not being able to trace the theft and plug the loop leaks. In current scenario, globally the electrical energy being stolen annually is in a range of about 2% to about 25% or even more, which is a huge loss to the nations. Also, this leads to the waste of natural resources i.e. increasing Green House gas effects causing the authorised and prompt consumers to pay up for the stolen electricity. Because of the stealing or theft of electricity, the electricity supply utility companies have to face the consequences of losses or otherwise increase the charges by which the additional burden on each of the prompt consumer or customer is about 1% to about 20% more than the amount which needs to be paid. Electrical energy is stolen by individuals and business/commercial establishments or entrepreneurs fall under two categories. A first category comprises the authorised or registered customers of an electricity utility company. Each of the registered customers is provided with an electricity meter for recording the energy consumed in terms of Units or Kilowatt hours (kwh), which the utility bills to the consumer and the consumer pays the bills for the electricity energy consumed. Among the authorised category of consumers, there is a possibility of tampering the meter such that, the meter records the consumption in terms of units less than the actual consumption. Also, there is a possibility of that an authorised customer may engage in bypassing the meter partially or completely, thereby ensuring that meter will record electrical energy consumed less than the actual consumption, thus bypassing the meter.

A second category comprises the individuals and entrepreneurs or business/commercial establishments that are not authorised customers with the electricity utility company. The second category entities illegally connect i.e. hook on to the electricity supply network, for their establishments, residences, lights, equipment, heating and cooling systems, appliances etc., to the utility electrical network for consuming electricity without being detected.

Known in the art are methods to detect the electricity theft. However, it is evident from the on-going electricity theft the detection of electricity theft devices are not adequate. One of the known methods is Energy Audit method, in which all the energy meters are provided with Automated Meter Reading (AMR) facility. Also, the energy meter connected to the DT dispensing electricity is provided with AMR facility. An Energy Audit (EA) application at the central monitoring system continuously performs the EA at specific intervals and determines whether the energy dispensed by the DT is equal to the sum of the energy consumed by all the meters of consumers connected to that DT with allowable margin. The obtained result is not same then it is considered that electricity theft is being performed. However, using this method it is not possible to identify where theft is taking place with a reasonable accuracy and the enforcement agencies cannot act on the same. Also, this is not able to deter the people from engaging in electricity theft.

Another known method is a tamper detection and communication to the central monitoring system. This method helps in detecting meter tampers but cannot identify whether any unauthorised and unmetered persons are indulged in the electricity theft. Smart Meters with advanced AMR features and two way communication system are also helpless in identifying to a greater extent the temporarily by passing of the meter for stealing, and also unauthorised hooking for stealing electricity. Hence, there is a need of a solution to prevent electricity thefts by any illegal consumer. Further, the solution should be an efficient way of preventing electricity theft that is by implementation of a theft deterrent system in electricity networks for preventing electricity thefts and more specifically preventing the recurrent electricity thefts. The Electricity Supply utility has the right to ensure that its commodity i.e., the electricity being disbursed and sold to customers is not stolen and protect / prevent the same by using possible means.

SUMMARY

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a method and system as described in the description. One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a random noise generator

(RNG) device to generate a predefined interference to prevent electricity theft. The device comprises a modem controller unit (MCU) coupled to low voltage side of a distribution transformer (DT) network. The MCU comprises a modem and a controller to transmit one or more control signals to trigger an interference block for the generation of a predefined interference on to the low voltage side of the DT network. Also, the device comprises reverse flow blocker filter (RFBF) to prevent flow of the predefined interference back into the DT. The electricity generated at the low voltage side of the DT network comprises the predefined interference generated by the interference block, which upon consuming, results in non-functioning of electrical and electronic appliances. The interference block (IB) comprises at least one of a surge generator circuit to generate at least one of surge voltages, surge currents, impulse voltages and impulse current based on the control signals received from the MCU; an electro static discharge (ESD) generator circuit to generate ESD current based on the control signals received from the MCU; a transient generator circuit is used to generate at least one of transient voltage and transient current based on the control signals received from the MCU; and a noise generator circuit generates electrical noise based on the control signals received from the MCU.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an electricity meter comprising one or more sensing devices to detect incoming electricity. The one or more sensing devices is configured to sense a flow of load energy with said electricity meter. Also, the electricity meter comprises at least one high noise filters (HNF) to filter predefined injected interference from RNG device from incoming electricity being distributed from a distributed transformer (DT) through consumer lines, each of the at least one HNFs to filter predefined interference introduced in the electricity by RNG

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a theft deterrent system (TDS). The TDS comprises a random noise generator (RNG) electrically coupled to a secondary low voltage circuit of a distribution transformer (DT). The RNG generates predefined interference that is combined with electricity being generated by the DT and transmitted along a low voltage network. Also, the TDS comprises a plurality of customer lines for transmitting the generated electricity from a distribution transformer (DT) along with the predefined interference to the customer premises. Further, the TDS comprises at least one electricity meter coupled to the customer lines at the customer premises, each of the at least one electricity meter receives the transmitted electricity along with the predefined interference, each of the at least one of electricity meter is configured with a high noise filter (HNF) block for filtering the electricity from predefined interference received by the electricity meter and produce an electricity free from predefined interference.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for preventing electricity theft comprising generating a predefined interference from a random noise generator (RNG) being coupled to distribution transformer (DT) and combining the generated predefined interference with electricity being generated by the DT. Also, the method comprises transmitting the combined electricity and predefined interference to customer premises from the RNG. Further, the method comprises receiving the combined electricity and predefined interference by electricity meters at the consumer premises, and filtering the predefined interference using at least one high noise filter (HNF) configured in the electricity meter to produce electricity free from predefined interference.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The embodiments of the disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an illustration of connection from the distribution transformer (DT) to the consumers;

Figure 2 shows a distribution of electricity using Random Noise Generator (RNG) on the DT secondary circuit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 shows an illustration of distribution of electricity using Random Noise Generator (RNG) on the DT secondary circuit and a High Noise Filter (FINF) integrated with consumer's meter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 shows another illustration of distribution of electricity using Random Noise Generator (RNG) on the DT secondary circuit and a High Noise Filter (HNF) integrated with consumer's meter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 shows a generic electricity distribution from a utility to the consumers, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 shows arrangement of Theft Deterrent System (TDS) for electricity, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 shows arrangement of Theft Deterrent System (TDS) for electricity, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 shows a block diagram of Random Noise Generator unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 shows a block diagram of High Noise Filter (HNF) unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 10 to 21 shows different aspects of electricity distribution from the DT to the consumer premises, in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure;

The drawings for the sake of uniformity depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides a random noise generator (RNG) device to generate a predefined interference(s) to prevent electricity theft, an electricity meter with high noise filter (HNF) for filtering the predefined interferences present in the electricity being distributed.

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a random noise generator (RNG) device to generate a predefined interference to prevent electricity theft. The device comprises a modem controller unit (MCU) coupled to low voltage side of a distribution transformer (DT) network. The MCU comprises a modem and a controller to transmit one or more control signals to trigger an interference block for the generation of a predefined interference on to the low voltage side of the DT network. Also, the device comprises reverse flow blocker filter to prevent flow of the predefined interference into the DT. The electricity generated at the low voltage side of the DT network comprises the predefined interference generated by the interference block, which upon consuming results in non-functioning of electronic appliances. The interference block (IB) comprises at least one of a surge generator circuit to generate at least one of surge voltages, surge currents, impulse voltages and impulse current based on the control signals received from the MCU; an electro static discharge (ESD) generator circuit to generate ESD current based on the control signals received from the MCU; a transient generator circuit is used to generate at least one of transient voltage and transient current based on the control signals received from the MCU; and a noise generator circuit generates electrical noise based on the control signals received from the MCU. The DT Network encompassing all the consumers becomes a securitised grid/ securitised network. The DT network may also be called as "ZEN Grid" which permits only authorised customers to access and receive electricity. The ZEN grid deters the theft of electricity as it happens i.e., in the "Zen" state or "present state". The ZEN grid may also be related to a "Securitised Grid". In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an electricity meter comprising one or more sensing devices to detect incoming electricity. The one or more sensing devices is configured to sense a flow of load energy with said electricity meter. Also, the electricity meter comprises at least one high noise filters (HNF) to filter predefined interference from incoming electricity being distributed from a distributed transformer (DT) through consumer lines, each of the at least one HNFs to filter predefined interference introduced in the electricity. A random noise generator (RNG) device may be configured with the electricity meter to measure an energy being dispensed by the DT and passing through the RNG device, which is communicated to a control centre through a Modem-Controller unit.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for preventing electricity theft comprising generating predefined interferences from a random noise generator (RNG) being coupled to distribution transformer (DT) and combining the generated predefined interference with electricity being generated by the DT. Also, the method comprises transmitting the combined electricity and predefined interference to customer premises from the RNG. Further, the method comprises receiving the combined electricity and predefined interference by electricity meters at the consumer premises, and filtering the predefined interferences using at least one high noise filter (HNF) configured and connected to the electricity meter to produce electricity free from predefined interference. The introduction of electrical interferences as discussed above shall be regarded as signature pattern of the utility as introduced in the network. With the signature pattern introduced in electricity, the electricity commodity becomes a "Branded" commodity of the utility and can be considered as "Branded Electricity". The HNF is a Conditional Electricity Access Device (CEAD) which conditionally receives electricity. Also, the HNF measures the electricity being dispensed upon passing through consumer's network through a consumer' s meter. In one embodiment, the present disclosure addresses two type's electricity thefts and provides the electricity utility companies with an effective and robust Theft Deterrent System to be configured and implemented in the electrical networks. A first type is for authorised but dishonest consumer who bypasses a part of his load or the entire load from the utility provided meter, thereby ensuring that the meter does not record the energy consumption in part or in full. A second type is for the unauthorised customer who connects his loads to the utility supply network and runs such as, but not limited to loads, equipment, appliances, lights etc., by hooking on to the utility network unauthorized. The modern static electricity meters or electronic energy meters which are now in use by all the utilities generally are tamper proof and any attempts to tamper are recorded/ noticed/ communicated to the utility through some mechanism.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electricity distribution utility (utility) engaged in supply of electricity to all types of consumers has a network of electrical systems such as, but not limited to substations, electrical conductors, lines, cables, distribution transformers, medium voltage network, low voltage network, poles, connecting wires, consumer energy meters and other equipment. The electricity flows from the high voltage substation to a distribution transformer (DT) where it is converted into low voltage suitable for at least one of home equipment, streetlights, traffic lights etc. There on the electricity is carried on through LV network of overhead conductors or cables in a three phase four wire network or any other configuration as per the utility standard. Each consumer gets a single phase supply connection from the LV network or a three phase connection based on his requirement and option.

Figure 1 shows an illustration of a connection from the DT to the consumers of all different types such as, but not limiting to Honest Authorised customer who uses electricity through the meter (2) Dishonest Authorised customer who bypasses the meter to steal electricity and (3) Unauthorised customer who hooks on to the LV network for stealing electricity.

Figure 2 shows an illustration showing Random Noise Generator (RNG) to introduce random noise on the DT secondary circuit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in figure 2, the RNG is a power electronics circuit or device which is designed to generate at least one of electrical noise, high voltage spikes and other disturbances and release the same in the secondary network. The noise waveform travels through the network towards any consumer and enters the premises of the consumers. The first category is about legal customers or authorised customers having protected by a filter device High Noise Filter (HNF), which is configured with the utility meter or an electricity reading meter. The HNF filters all the interference in the electricity such as, but not limited to noise and spikes there by providing good quality electricity, which can be fed to all the appliances by a customer. The illustration of utility meters configured by HNF for legal customers is shown in figure 3. In one embodiment, a second category of consumers who are authorised or legal and tamper the utility meter or meter i.e. by pass the utility meter to avoid the meter recording the electricity being consumed. In this scenario the electricity is not filtered by the HNF configured along with the meter, as HNF is not connected when meter is by passed. The HNF is so configured such that, it is integrated with the meter and there is no way the user can separate the HNF and the meter; hence cannot bypass the meter only to receive electricity through the HNF. If a user performed electricity theft, the electricity has to by-passed by both the meter and the HNF unit, by performing this raw electricity or unfiltered electricity is received by the user. The received raw electricity which is unfiltered causes sufficient damage to the appliances of the user. Since, the unfiltered electricity consists of noise and spikes is being utilised by the consumer for all the appliances in the premises thereby resulting in at least one of malfunctioning, non-functioning and damaging of the appliances. As the by -passed electricity or the electricity being stolen is unusable, dangerous and detrimental for appliances, which is as illustrated in figure 3. As a result, the consumer relents, do not take the risk of stealing electricity, avoids bypassing of the meter and falls in line to become an honest consumer, which is shown in figure 4. In one embodiment, a third category of consumer is the unauthorised consumer who performs the electricity theft by hooking a wire on to the LV network to steal and power up his appliances. Since, the consumer is unauthorised and do not have any meter or HNF, the electricity being consumed consists of at least one of high noise, high spiked raw electricity and unfiltered electricity. Upon using the unfiltered electricity by the consumer for the appliances, the result is at least one of malfunctioning, non-functioning and sometimes damaging of the appliances. Thus, the electricity being stolen is not safe for usage, prevents the illegal or unauthorized consumers from stealing the same. As a result, the consumer relents, do not take the risk of stealing electricity and do not indulge in bypassing of the meter. Thus, the unauthorized consumer falls in line to become an honest authorised consumer by configuring a meter and a HNF device in his premises from the electricity utility companies as illustrated in figure 4.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is to implement a system in the low voltage network of the Electricity Supply Utility to arrest and curb electricity theft by making the stolen electricity at least one of unusable, unsafe and cause damaging effects. This is to ensure that the authorised and honest consumers use the electricity in the best usable form, safe and free from any damage causing effects. One embodiment of the present disclosure is a method and system used to make such a Theft Deterrent System (TDS). The method for preventing electricity theft comprising generating a predefined interference from a random noise generator (RNG) being coupled to distribution transformer (DT) and combining the generated predefined interference with electricity being generated by the DT. Also, the method comprises transmitting the combined electricity and predefined interference to customer premises from the RNG. Further, the method comprises receiving the combined electricity and predefined interference by electricity meters at the consumer premises, and filtering the predefined interference using at least one high noise filter (HNF) configured in the electricity meter to produce electricity free from predefined interference.

Figure 5 shows a generic arrangement of electricity distribution from a utility to consumers. The Utility's Distribution Transformer (DT) receives power in terms of high voltage such as, but not limited to 11KV, 22KV and 33KV. The power is transformed in to a commonly usable level of low voltage (LV) at 440 volts three phase supply comprising of 230 volts phase to neutral single phase supplies. Some of the utility companies or DT' s use a combination such as, but not limited to 208 volts three phase with 120 volts single phase supplies. The power supply is carried on to consumers on a LV overhead distribution line using electric poles which is shown in figure 5. Also, the TDS is applicable for high voltages consumers who receive power supply from the utility companies at 11000 volts or 33000 volts i.e. 3 phase. The TDS works the same way as it works for the low voltage supply.

As shown in figure 5, the consumers are classified into different types connected on the LV network and drawing electricity. The first type of classification is CI, in which customer is an authorised consumer of the Utility electricity supply. CI consists of a meter connected and all the electricity consumed is recorded by the meter for billing by the utility. CI is an authorised and honest consumer. The next consumer is C2 similar to CI, i.e. an authorized and honest consumer. The next type is C3, is an authorised consumer of the electricity from the utility. The C3 consists of a meter in his premises through which all the energy passes through to record the usage of electricity. But the C3 at times bypasses the meter and uses electricity which is not recorded by the meter, as shown in the figure 5. Hence, the C3 is an authorised but dishonest consumer. The next type of consumer is C4, who is an unauthorized consumer. The C4 hooks a wire or using some other means connects illegally to the utility' s LV network to draw electricity, without the knowledge of the utility company. The C4 uses electricity unauthorized to run the appliances and do not pay to the utility for the usage of electricity. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a theft deterrent system (TDS). The TDS comprises a random noise generator (RNG) electrically coupled to a secondary low voltage circuit of a distribution transformer (DT). The RNG generates predefined interference that is combined with electricity being generated by the DT and transmitted along a low voltage network. Also, the TDS comprises a plurality of customer lines for transmitting the generated electricity from a distribution transformer (DT) along with the predefined interference to the customer premises. Further, the TDS comprises at least one electricity meter coupled to the customer lines at the customer premises, each of the at least one electricity meter receives the transmitted electricity along with the predefined interference, each of the at least one of electricity meter is configured with a high noise filter (HNF) block for filtering the electricity from predefined interference received by the electricity meter and produce an electricity free from predefined interference.

Figure 6 shows a base arrangement Theft Deterrent System (TDS), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in figure 6, the base arrangement for TDS comprises a "Random Noise Generator" (RNG) device connected to the secondary low voltage (LV) circuit of the Distribution Transformer (DT). The RNG is a power electronics device is designed or configured to produce various forms of interference in the electricity such as, but not limited to surge voltages, surge currents, transient voltages, currents, high voltage bursts, electrical noise, voltage and current spikes, impulses and any other known form of abnormalities that may be introduced in an electric circuit reaching all the consumers in the electrical network. Also, the RNG is designed such that the electrical noise is generated at random or predefined instances are not transmitted back to the DT but rather prevented or blocked electrically from being received by the DT.

The RNG comprise the following functions such as, but not limited to:

i) generating at least one of noise, an impulse voltage, impulse current, a surge current or voltage of short duration and high intensity, high voltage transient or high current transient, electrical disturbance, high voltage and current bursts, high frequency energy bursts, spikes, impulses etc., in to the LV network away from the DT;

ii) Generating unwanted electrical components and effects in the system that contaminates the electricity being received by the consumers. These effects are referred as "electrical noise and other effects";

iii) The RNG does not transmit noise or electrical disturbance and all the other effects or components back into the transformer, this is performed by blocking said noise or electrical disturbance by use of Reverse Flow Blocking Filter (RFBF) and ensuring there is no feedback into the DT;

iv) The RNG generates noise and other effects at random instances of time;

v) The RNG may generate the noise and other effects at predefined instances of time; vi) The RNG may be programmed to generate noise or other effects at any instance of time as initiated from a remote controlled circuit application communicated to the RNG through any form of communication such as, but not limited GSM, GPRS, ZigBee, radio frequency, power line carrier frequency or any other communication media through appropriate modems and controllers;

vii) The RNG draws electricity from the LV network to perform the functions described above;

viii) The noise and other effects generated by the RNG and injected into the LV network travels through the LV network and reach each and every installation connected to the network;

ix) The noise and other effects injected or created by the RNG create unwanted and undesirable effects on at least one of the appliances, facilities, lights and loads, used by the consumers to power sources from the LV network;

x) The noise patterns or levels or waveforms created by the RNG are considered as the signature patterns of the utility supplying electricity. The utility is injecting the noise as a signature pattern in the electrical network which is treated as the "Branding" of the electricity with superimposition of various forms of waveforms at different frequencies in the standard waveform of electrical parameters such as voltages and currents. Thus, the utility is serving "branded electricity" to its customers. In one embodiment, each consumer who is registered with the electricity supply utility is configured with an energy meter (meter) for measuring the electricity quantity consumed by the consumer and is accordingly billed towards charges as a pre agreed tariff. Also, the meter is configured with a device known as the High Noise Filter (HNF) as a part of the electricity Theft Deterrent System (TDS). The electricity supplied to the consumers is first made to pass through the HNF and then through the meter before the same reaches the consumer appliances such as, but not limited to lights, electronics loads such as TV, music systems, computers and other appliances that the consumer may possess. One embodiment of the present disclosure is the High Noise Filter (HNF). The

HNF being capable of performing the following functions. The HNF filters the electricity being received by the consumer's premises and produce electricity which is noise free and safe to be used by the consumer. Also, the HNF blocks or prevents the noise components from entering the consumer premises. Further, the HNF protects the consumer premises equipment' s such as, but not limited to electrical appliances, gadgets, devices, equipment from getting damaged. Furthermore, the HNF ensures that all the consumer premises equipment's such as, but not limited to electrical appliances, devices, equipment etc., work properly as per their intended operation and performance, by providing noise free power supply i.e. electricity.

In one embodiment, the customers of type CI and C2 being installed or configured by the HNF device for usage of electricity can use the electricity, which is safe because of the filtering being performed by the HNF, for all the electronic appliances. Also, the equipment's of the customers C I and C2 will not be damaged, as the electricity being supplied is without any noise or interference.

The Theft Deterrent System (TDS) is a combination of the RNG and the HNF will protect from any illegal consumer from stealing electrical, i.e. by providing an electricity with noise or disturbances on the LV cable which damages the equipment's or appliances. Thereby, the consumers will not be able to steal electricity or indulge in electricity theft. The Theft Deterrent Systems introduce electrical noise and disturbances in to the LV network using the RNG device. All the authorised and registered customers are provided and configured with HNF device integrated with the energy meters (meters). The authorised customers using the HNF and electricity through the meters configured or integrated with the HNF device will receive filtered electricity without any disturbance such as, but not limited to noise, impulses, spikes etc. The consumers who steal the electrical energy by bypassing the meter or without meter will not be able to make use of the electrical energy stolen as the usage of such electricity damages electrical appliance of the consumer's premise. Thus, the consumers are deterrent from the electricity theft, as shown in figure 7.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is to make the consumers deterrent from the electricity theft, as illustrated in figure 7. As illustrated in figure 7, the RNG generates at least one of electrical noise, spikes, surges and any other disturbances randomly at predefined instances or randomly. The electrical noise is transmitted into the LV network in the direction as shown in 1 of figure 7. The noise is blocked in the reverse direction by the RNG i.e. the noise do not travel in backward direction towards the DT as shown in 2 of the figure 7. The noise enters towards the first customer C I premises and is blocked by the HNF device connected to the CI and C2 meters as shown in 3 of the figure 7. The noise is filtered and electricity without any disturbance is transmitted into the premises of the CI and C2, as shown in 4 of figure 7.

Further, the electricity along with the noise or disturbance is received by the consumer C3. The consumer C3 bypasses the meter and thereby bypasses the HNF. The disturbance or noise is being received by the c3 as shown in 5 of figure 7. The noise received by the premises of c3, whose the HNF and the meter unit are bypassed. As shown in 6 of figure 7, noise is received by the appliances thereby causing at least one of malfunction, non-function, flickering, disruption and a possible damage as the electricity drawn consists of the noise or disturbance.

Furthermore, the electricity along with noise or disturbance enters the premises of c4, who has unauthorized connection i.e. by hooking a wire or corresponding means to the conductor of LV network. The electricity along with noise being received by the C4 customers premises and is being consumed by the appliances or loads of C4 as shown in 7 of figure 7. The consumer C4 is using the electricity illegally without any meter or HNF Filter device. Powering the appliances using the electricity along with noise may cause one of malfunction, non-function, flickering, disruption and possible damage to the appliances, as the electricity drawn is stolen energy with noise or disturbance.

One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a Theft Deterrent Device (TDS). The TDS comprises Random Noise Generator (RNG) and High Noise Filter (HNF). The RNG is configured or integrated at the source side of the LV network i.e., on the LV side of the DT. The general construction of the RNG is shown in figure 8.

Figure 8 shows a RNG consisting of a Modem Controller Unit (MCU). The MCU comprises a modem with a suitable communication media such as, but not limited to GPRS, GSM, EDGE, Radio Frequency (RF) Mesh or any other communication media. The MCU along with a controller triggers various disturbances in the electricity such as, but not limited to noise, impulse and transient generator blocks into action to generate the predetermined effects/ disturbances in the network and push the same into the LV side of the network. The MCU may be configured to send automatically timed signals at predefined times to the noise, impulse and transient generator units.

The RNG also comprises a Reverse Flow Blocker Filter (RFBF), to prevent the flow of the noise, impulse and transients back into the DT side of the network. The RFBF is also suitable to protect the modem and the controller unit. The RNG further comprises a Surge or Impulse Generator Circuit (IGC) to generate surge voltages/ currents and impulse voltages and currents based on triggers received from the modem and controller unit. Further, the RNG comprises an ESD (Electro Static Discharge) Generator Circuit to generate an ESD based on triggers received from the modem and controller unit. Furthermore, the RNG comprises a Transient Generator Circuit (TGC) to generate a transient voltages and currents based on the triggers received from the modem and controller unit. The RNG further comprises a Noise Generator Circuit (NGC) to generate electrical noise based on the triggers received from the Modem and Controller unit. The RNG comprises a power supply unit to supply power to each module/ unit of the RNG. The power supply unit has at least one of single power supply initial and combined plurality of power supply units.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a High Noise Filter Unit (HNF), which is a combination of surge protection devices, power filters, surge suppressors, voltage regulators and various other circuits which filter all possible noise generated by the RNG and injected into the network. The HNF filters all the noise and prevents the noise from entering the premises of the customer, thereby protecting at least one of the consumer's appliances, gadgets, loads, etc. from any harmful effects or from being damage or mal functioning. The HNF may be integrated with a modem controller, connect/ disconnect device, a meter, a smart meter etc., HNF is capable of up-gradation.

In one embodiment, a system and method that can be implemented in the low voltage network of the Electricity Supply Utility to arrest and curb electricity theft by making the stolen electricity unusable, unsafe and cause damaging effects on the appliances using the stolen energy and at the same time ensuring that the authorised and honest consumers use the same electricity in the best usable form, safe and free from any damage causing effects. This will make electricity theft an unattractive, unsafe and unrewarding option and thereby the theft will be controlled or curtailed or restrained and made void.

Figure 10 shows an example embodiment of a system for deterrent of electricity theft with DT, RNG and the HNF integrated with a meter at customers premise or anti -theft electricity theft system. As shown in figure 10, the secondary side or LV side of the DT is connected a RNG whose function is to generate at least one of noise, disturbance, transients, surges, spikes, impulses etc., and inject into the LV side of the electrical network. An authorised customer is provided with a safe power supply which passes through the HNF (High Noise Filter) which filters the electricity supply and makes it safe for use. The HNF filters out all the disturbances such as, but not limited to noise, surges and transients injected by the RNG into the electrical network and make it safe for use by the equipment. The HNF is integrated with the meter in the consumer premises and the consumer has no option but to use the electrical energy filtered by the HNF. An unauthorised customer is not provided with a HNF, therefore cannot consume electricity as it is unsafe. The HNF is a proprietary device of the electrical utility company and will be provided to authorised customers only.

Figure 11 illustrate anti-theft electricity system or electricity theft deterrent system or a system for deterrent of electricity theft with DT, RNG and the HNF, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in figure 11, each consumer is provided with a combination of HNF, modem controller (MC), Connect Disconnect Switch and the meter. The MC is in continuous communication with a central control centre which is monitoring and measuring the electricity consumed by the consumer. The MC unit is in communication with the control center through appropriate media such as, but not limited to GPRS/ CDMA, Power Line Carrier, RF Mesh etc. The Control center application synchronises the MC units. A control signal is given to all the MC units in the consumer premises of all the customers connected to the DT. The control signal switches open the C/D switches of all the consumers connected in the network (DT) momentarily. Simultaneously, the control center initiates or triggers the RNG to generate electrical disturbance such as but not limited to noise, spikes, surges, impulses etc., in to the secondary LV side of the network. These surges reach all the authorised consumers connected in the network. However, the authorised consumers CD switch is open and the electrical disturbance is filtered and do not reach the premises. At the same time the illegal consumers who are using electricity will have no protection of HNF or the C/D switch and the will suffer on account of unfiltered electricity which causes damage to their equipment. After the momentary interruption the Control Center deactivates the RNG and simultaneously closes the C/D switches of the individual customers. This will again ensure proper and safe electricity flow into the consumer premises. The Theft Deterrent system can be configured as shown in figure 1 1, would ensure that all unauthorised users of electricity will suffer on account with malfunctioning or damaged equipment.

Figure 12 shows an electricity theft deterrent system, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in figure 12, a RNG is configured near the DT and all the consumers are connected from one pole of the LT line/ electrical network are provided with on common high capacity HNF unit on a pole top box unit (PTU). The MC provided in the RNG receives a control signal from the control center at Random times which triggers the generation of Noise from the RNG. The noise generated travels towards the consumer's premises. However, the authorised consumers who receive power through HNF from the PTU will not be affected as the received filtered electricity. The unauthorised consumers of electricity or consumers stealing electricity are provided with unfiltered electricity and thereby will be affected with malfunctioning/ damaged equipment or electrical appliances.

Figure 13 shows an electricity theft deterrent system, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The RNG is connected on the LV side of the DT with the MC built in. A pole top unit with the HNF, the MC and a Group Connect/ Disconnect Switch (GCD) is provided on a pole (PMCG). The consumer connected from the pole will be connected through the HNF and the GCD.

At a predefined time or a random instance a control signal is sent to the MC on the PMCG to disconnect or open the GCD switch to ensure that all the meters and consumers connected to that pole are disconnected momentarily from the electricity supply. Simultaneously, at the same instant the MC of the RNG receives a signal to activate, trigger and transmit disturbance or interference or noise or transients etc., on to the network. The disturbance or interference travels through the LV network and thereby causes damaging effects on the consumers who are unauthorised and stealing electricity. The RNG is deactivated after some predetermined time from the control centre and all the GCD are closed through a command from the control centre. Thus, the TDS prevents stealing of electricity by making it unsafe for use.

Figure 14 shows an electricity theft deterrent system, according to yet an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The TDS is configured as shown in figure 14. As shown in the figure 14, the RNG is connected on the LV side of the DT with MC built in. A pole Top unit with MC and a Group Connect/ Disconnect Switch (GCD) is provided on a pole (PMCGN). The consumer connected from the pole, will be connected through the GCD. All the consumers are provided with HNF-Meter unit at their premises. At a random instance a control signal is sent to the MC on the PMCGN to disconnect /open the GCD switch. This will ensure that all the meters and consumers connected to that pole are disconnected momentarily from the electricity supply. Simultaneously, at the same instant, the MC of the RNG also receives a signal to activate and trigger and transmit disturbance or noise or transients etc., in to the network, which travels through the LV network and thereby causes damaging effects on the consumers who are unauthorised and stealing electricity. Only, the authorised consumers are protected by the HNF. Thereafter, the RNG is deactivated from the control centre and all the GCD are closed through a command from the control centre Thus, the TDS prevents stealing of electricity by making it unsafe for use.

Figure 15 shows an alternative electricity theft deterrent system, according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. The TDS is configured as shown in figure 15. As shown in figure 15, the RNG is connected on the LV side of the DT with MC built in. A pole top unit with HNF, MC and metering bock is provided on a pole (PMM). The consumer who is connected from the pole will be connected through an individual meter provided on the pole top unit (PMM). All the consumers connected from the pole are connected through a common HNF and individual meters with a common MC. At random instant the MC of the RNG receives a signal to activate and trigger and release or transmit noise/ transients on to the network, which travels through the LV network and thereby causes damaging effects on the consumers who are unauthorised and stealing electricity. The authorised consumers are protected by the FTNF. After a predefined time instant the RNG is deactivated from the control centre. Also, the MC also measures the energy consumed by each meter and sends the information to the control centre for purposes of energy audit. Thus, the TDS prevents stealing of electricity by making it unsafe for use.

Figure 16 shows an electricity theft deterrent system, according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The TDS is configured as shown in figure 16. The RNG is connected on the LV side of the DT with MC built in. A pole top unit with HNF, MC, GCD and Metering bock is provided on a pole (PMMG) The consumers connected from the pole will be connected through the individual meter connected through the HNF and the GCD switch provided on the pole top unit (PMMG). All the consumers connected from the pole are connected through a common FTNF and individual meters with a common MC and GCD. At a random instance a control signal is sent to the MC on the PMCG to disconnect/ open the GCD switch. This will ensure that all the meters and consumers connected to that pole are disconnected momentarily from the electricity supply. At the same instant the MC of the RNG receives a signal to activate and trigger and release noise/ transients etc., in to the network. This travels through the LV network and thereby causes damaging effects on the consumers who are unauthorised and stealing electricity. Even if the GCD does not open due to any unforeseen conditions and the RNG is triggered, the surges/noise would be filtered by the HNF before it reaches the authorised customers premises. The authorised consumers are protected by HNF and the unauthorised customers indulged in stealing electricity have to face the effects of damaging or malfunctioning of the appliances and equipment's because of the unfiltered electricity. Thereafter, the RNG is deactivated from the control centre, the GCD is closed restoring power to all the consumers. Thus, the TDS prevents stealing of electricity by making it unsafe for use.

Figure 17 shows an electricity theft deterrent system, according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The TDS is configured as shown in figure 17. The RNG is connected on the LV side of the DT with MC built in. A pole Top unit with FFNF, MC and Metering bock is provided on a pole (PMMG). The consumers connected from the pole will be connected through the an individual meter connected through a HNF along with individual Connect Disconnect Switches (CD) as shown, on the pole top unit (PMMG). All the consumers connected from the pole are connected through a common FFNF and individual meters with a common MC and individual CD switches. At a random instance a control signal is sent to the MC on the PMCG to disconnect/open all the CD switches of the consumers to ensure that all the meters and consumers connected to that pole are disconnected momentarily from the electricity supply. At the same instant the MC of the RNG receives a signal to activate and trigger and transmits or releases at least one of disturbances, noise, surges, transients etc., in to the network which travels through the LV network and thereby causes damaging effects on the consumers who are unauthorised and stealing electricity. Even if the CD does not open due to any unforeseen conditions and the RNG is triggered, the surges or noise would be filtered by the FiNF before it reaches the authorised customers premises. All the authorised consumers are protected by FTNF, whereas the unauthorised customers and those indulging in stealing electricity will have their appliances and equipment damaged due to unfiltered electricity passing momentarily through them. After a brief moment of the RNG is deactivated from the control centre, the CD switches of all the individual consumers are closed restoring power to all the consumers. Thus, the TDS prevents stealing of electricity by making it unsafe for use. Figure 18 shows an electricity theft deterrent system, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The TDS is configured as shown in figure 18. The RNG is connected on the LV side of the DT with MC built in. A HNF and Smart Meter (SM) is provided to each individual consumer' s premises. Each SM is provided with a built in Modem-controller unit and connect/ disconnect unit. At a random instance of time a control signal is sent to the MC to all the smart meters the PMCG to disconnect/ open all the CD switches of the consumers, which will ensure that all the meters and consumers are disconnected momentarily from the electricity supply. At the same instant the MC of the RNG receives a signal to activate and trigger and release disturbance, noise, surge, transients etc., in to the network, which travels through the LV network and thereby causes damaging effects on the consumers who are unauthorised and stealing electricity. Even if the CD in the SM does not open due to any unforeseen conditions and the RNG is triggered, the surges or noise would be filtered by the HNF before it reaches the authorised customers premises. All the authorised consumers are protected by HNF and the unauthorised customers indulging in stealing electricity will have their appliances and equipment damaged due to unfiltered electricity passing momentarily through them. After a brief moment of the RNG is deactivated from the control centre, the CD switches of all the individual consumers are closed restoring power to all the consumers. Thus, the TDS prevents stealing of electricity by making it unsafe for use.

Figure 19 shows an electricity theft deterrent system, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The TDS is configured as shown in figure 19. The RNG is connected on the LV side of the DT with MC built in. A HNF and Smart Meter (SM) is provided to each individual consumer premises. Each SM is provided with a built in Modem-controller unit and connect/ disconnect unit. A pole top unit PMCG is installed on a pole from where the consumers are connected for supply of electricity. At a random instance a control signal is sent to the MC to all the smart meters the PMCG to disconnect/ open all the CD switches of the consumers, which will ensure that all the meters and consumers are disconnected momentarily from the electricity supply. At the same instant the MC of the RNG receives a signal to activate and trigger and release noise/ transients etc., in to the network. This travels through the LV network and thereby causes damaging effects on the consumers who are unauthorised and stealing electricity. Even if the CD in the SM does not open due to any unforeseen conditions and the RNG is triggered, the surges/ noise would be filtered by the HNF before it reaches the authorised customers premises. All the authorised consumers are protected by HNF and all the unauthorised customers and those indulging in stealing electricity will have their appliances and equipment damaged due to unfiltered electricity passing momentarily through them. After a brief moment after the RNG is deactivated from the control centre, the CD switches of all the individual consumers are closed restoring power to all the consumers. Thus the TDS prevents stealing of electricity by making it unsafe for use.

Figure 20 shows an electricity theft deterrent system, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The TDS is configured as shown in figure 20. The RNG is connected on the LV side of the DT with MC built in. A pole top unit (PMCGSM) with HNF, MC, GCD and individual SM (Smart Meters) is provided on a pole from where electricity is supplied to the individual customers. Each SM is provided with a built in Modem-controller unit and a connect/Disconnect unit. At a random instance a control signal is sent to the MC at the PMCGSM to disconnect/ open all the GCD switches of the pole top unit. This will ensure that all the meters and consumers are disconnected momentarily from the electricity supply. At the same instant the MC of the RNG receives a signal to activate and trigger and release noise or transients etc., in to the network. This travels through the LV network and thereby causes damaging effects on the consumers who are unauthorised and stealing electricity. Even if the GCD in the PMCGSM does not open due to any unforeseen conditions and the RNG is triggered, the surges or noise would be filtered by the HNF before it reaches the authorised customers premises. All the authorised consumers are protected by HNF and all the unauthorised customers and those indulging in stealing electricity will have their appliances and equipment damaged due to unfiltered electricity passing momentarily through them. After a brief moment after the RNG is deactivated from the control centre, the GCD switches of all the poles are closed restoring power to all the consumers. Thus the TDS prevents stealing of electricity by making it unsafe for use.

Figure 21 shows an electricity theft deterrent system, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The TDS is configured as shown in figure 21. The RNG is connected on the LV side of the DT with MC built in. A DT Smart Meter (DSM) is connected to the LV side of the DT before the RNG unit. A HNF and Smart Meter (SM) is provided to each individual consumer' s premises. Each SM is provided with a built in Modem-controller unit and a connect/Disconnect unit. The DSM measures the total energy dispensed by the DT at regular intervals of time, as an example every 15 minutes. The data is sent to the control centre by the DSM. The Control centre also measures the total consumption of the all the Smart Meters connected to the DT. This is compared with the DSM data for the same interval in real time say for 15 minutes. If there is a mismatch at any instance beyond about five percentage the control center will trigger the MC of the RNG to activate and trigger and transmit or release disturbance, surge noise, transients etc., in to the network. This travels through the LV network and thereby causes damaging effects on the consumers who are unauthorised and stealing electricity. The Noise travels through the LV network and affects those consumers who are stealing electricity by creating damage/ malfunctioning of the equipment. At the same instant the MC of the RNG receives a signal to activate and trigger and release noise or transients etc., in to the network. This travels through the LV network and thereby causes damaging effects on the consumers who are unauthorised and stealing electricity. The authorised consumers are protected by HNF and unauthorised customers and those indulging in stealing electricity will have their appliances and equipment damaged due to unfiltered electricity passing momentarily through them. Thereafter, the RNG is deactivated from the control centre. Thus the TDS prevents stealing of electricity by making it unsafe for use. The HNF device can also be regarded as a conditional access system for the authorised customers to access and obtain electricity from the electricity network or line. The HNF may be called as "Conditional Electricity Access Device" (CEAD). All the authorised customers of the distribution company will be provided with the HNF device or the CEAD device. It is only through HNF or CEAD that the customers can get access to electricity network and draw electricity in a safe and usable form and thereby have an authorised connection to receive the electricity. Unauthorised users or persons try to draw or receive the electricity without this HNF or CEAD, which are not supposed to have access to electricity and there by constitute electricity stealing persons or organisations. Without configuring or installing the HNF or CEAD any user will not be able to use the electricity, as this electricity can damage the appliances, equipment, etc. This system is a Conditional Access System which provides access to the authorised users for receiving electricity. Further, the RNG device can also be provided with a built in metering circuit that will be able to measure the electricity dispensed from the DT through the RNG. This can act as a check meter to the DT meter. This energy readings can be transmitted through the modem Controller devices to a central station for Energy Audit.

Furthermore, an energy meter circuit may be configured or integrated in the ECNF which can measure the electricity being received through the HNF This can act as a check metering system for measuring the electricity which can be compared with the actual meter reading for matching.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and devices within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.