Distribution Transformer Monitoring and Mapping System

The distribution of high  to low-voltage takes place via a distribution transformer, its method of operation is an important mechanism in the entire distribution system. When a distribution transformer operates under nominal conditions, it certifies the life of transformers, but when

Project Title

Distribution Transformer Monitoring and Mapping System

Project Area of Specialization

Internet of Things

Project Summary

The distribution of high  to low-voltage takes place via a distribution transformer, its method of operation is an important mechanism in the entire distribution system. When a distribution transformer operates under nominal conditions, it certifies the life of transformers, but when these conditions do not match, there may be errors or failures that cause damage to the transformer could also cause harm to human life if they do not treat a specific time. Our goal is the plan and operation of a structure to monitor and.record the key operational indicators of a distribution transformer such as load current, low voltage, overvoltage, etc., with some sensory packages. It is installed on the site of the distribution transformer and the parameters mentioned above are recorded and sent to the principal operator in the control room, where the person could take appropriate measures in case of abnormal conditions. The device will send not only a single parameter of the distribution transformer but a set of data such as current, voltage, energy etc. This will happen on a real time basis and all data will be sent via GSM module using 3G/4G service of the SIM to private channels on thingspeak.com and then the data will be presented to the operator using a MATLAB based GUI for monitoring ,also it provides the location for each transformer that is actively working in which the device is installed, so that we can provide important information on the useful life and current status of the distribution transformer. This helps utility companies to make optimal use of their distribution transformers and to maintain long-term operational quality. This also indicates problems before any major failure or breakdown that can lead to significant cost savings and improved reliability.For the purpose of protection a relay is also installed with our device which will isolate the transformer from the load end by providing instant tripping incase of faulty conditions.Thus, providing the utility company with a digitalized map and monitoring system.

Project Objectives

We have five simple objectives in mind and that is to ensure the safe working of the transformer. 

1. Quick fault detection as well as assessment can be done so that with as minimum damage as possible faults can be analyzed hastily and dealt with in time so that we can avoid power outages.

2. Reducing the error that are produced by power carrier communication methods By sending the data to a cloud server rather than use the means of communication to send the data to the operator.

3. To  provide a gadget that is cost efficient and effective is our main objective, most devices and mechanisms used are quite expensive and placing them on a large scale can cost utility companies a hefty amount of money.

4. To measure several parameters at once and send them simultaneously one after another with minimum amount of delay as possible.

5. To display the location of the device so that the operator knows if any off the devices go offline due to fault condition, the technician would automatically know the exact location of the transformer which has tripped reducing the response time to a fault and also reduce the repair time required to rectify a fault due to which power outages are caused  to completely avoid unnecessary outages.

Project Implementation Method

Our project is divided into four main parts,

1.  Acquistion of transformer parameters (Current,Voltage,Frequency).
2. Delivering data to our private channel on thingspeak.com using GSM module.
3. MATLAB based GUI development and displaying data from the private channels of thingspeak.com to our GUI.
4. Finally, implementation of the relay protective scheme.

1 . Acquistion of transformer parameters:

For measuring voltage we have used ZMPT 101b which is a really cost effective sensor especially designed for AC voltage measurement. It can measure voltage upto 250 votls.

For current measurement we have used  CT with certain burden resistors , as per our requirement we have used a CT of 100 Ampers but it can be changed as per demand.

For Frequency measurement we have used octacoupler 817b,as it provides accurate results and is also very cheap.

2. Delivering data to thingspeak.com

We have used a GSM module SIM 900A which uses any SIM easily available in the market to transmit and recieve data. We have used the 3G/4G network of the SIM to send data to a private channel on thingspeak.com which is affiliated with MATHWORKS.com. 

3. MATLAB based GUI development

As it is mentioned earlier that thingspeak.com is affiliated to MATHWORKS.com so it was sensible to create a GUI based on MATLAB as the reacquistion of data sent to the channels was easy.

The GUI displays the three phase currents,voltages and frequency along with location and working status of the transformer.Other details include the last fault occurence and time of that occurence.

4. Relay Function and Coding

In a power system it is important to protect the power system from faults that might occur which could
lead to heavy damage, for the protection of the transformers relays have been used the relays here.
Failures are the unpleasant obstacles in the flow of current, resulting from an accident or natural
actions. The current in normal conditions flows within the pre-designed principles through the device
installed in the power supply system. Faults can be ordered as overcurrent, over voltage, under current,
under voltage, over frequency, under frequency etc.
The relay module we have used so far is a 4-channel relay module if the relay goes above its pick up
level for activating a signal in which the relay starts the operation of the value of the activation quantity
(voltage or current). If the value of the activation quantity is increased, the electromagnetic effect of the
relay coil increases and above a safe level of quantity of drive, the movement mechanism of the relay
starts to move. After having exceeded the level of activation of the driving quantity, the rotating
mechanism of the relay starts to move and finally closes the relay connections. The operation time is the
time between events when the activated quantity exceeds the event collection value when the relay
connections are closed.

Benefits of the Project

The modern problem needs a modern solution. As the world moves towards digitization and automation, we need to improve our system in the same way we keep pace with the market. As distribution system administration difficulties increase from day to day, service companies need more precise information on the electrical parameter. The electrical parameter must be monitored and controlled using modern techniques. The proposed project based on monitoring the GSM distribution transformer (through the cloud) will help the utility to ensure that all major or minor failures are resolved quickly and efficiently. In addition, the project will continuously monitor the distribution transformer parameter in real time and store data to examine and analyze trends to minimize any incipient errors. Our gadget continuously compares the parameters with their nominal values. This will protect the distribution transformer from minor damage to large-scale damage, such as heating and explosions that cause discontinuity in supply and many other risks to the consumer that could cause fatal injuries. Monitoring the use of GSM makes the transformer is intelligent because it sends data to the operations center together with the location and works independently in abnormal conditions, improving work efficiency and durability. So the company would have record of faults and would know that which transformer need maintenance.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Our gadget would be able to display the following ,

1.  Three phase voltages.
2. Three phase currents.
3. Frequncies.
4. KWH consumption of transfomer.
5. Transformer fault history .

And would be able to do the following operqations,

1. Send and display data to operator in control room.
2. Tripping incase of faulty conditions.
3. Keep record of faults and  types of fault occurred.
4. Provide exact location of faulty transformer.

TECHNICAL DETAILS:

So, the utility company/company would have a gadget installed on every transformer that monitors its parameters and informs the operators in real time what is the condition of all the units throughout the city.

Voltages.currents and other parameters are simultaneously being send to the server after every 20 seconds although this time can be reduced as per demand minimum to 0.5 seconds,the data is then displayed via MATLAB GUI which shows the exact location of gadget (coordinates are hard coded)along with real time values of current,voltages ,frequencies ,kwh consumed etc. 

The relay integrated with our gadget would also provide protection to the transformer incase of fault.

If the operator wants to know the record of a specific transformer,then date of last fault occurence and type of fault occurred will be displayed too along with the record of all the faults that have occurred.

Inshort we would be providing a digital  map, protection and monitoring of all transfomers in an area.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Type of Industry

Energy , Telecommunication

Technologies

Internet of Things (IoT), Others

Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com