The advance technique of underground cable fault location using GSM and GPS

Currently, two modes of power transmission are particularly used globally which are either over-head power transmission or running underground. Generally, we use overhead lines, in rushed places or urban areas overhead lines system is not a good option, and also overhead lines are mostly affected by

Project Title

The advance technique of underground cable fault location using GSM and GPS

Project Area of Specialization

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Project Summary

Currently, two modes of power transmission are particularly used globally which are either over-head power transmission or running underground. Generally, we use overhead lines, in rushed places or urban areas overhead lines system is not a good option, and also overhead lines are mostly affected by environmental conditions such as storms, snowfalls, heavy rains, and winds which ultimately lead to electrical breakdowns. However underground cables are not usually affected by external environmental conditions as the electricity runs in a concealed way through cables. When any fault arises, it becomes difficult to detect and locate the exact location as the cables lie deep underground and are not visible. this leads to the digging of the entire area to detect and correct the fault which in turn causes wastage of money and effort, so it does not allow an easy option for being repaired except to digging and locating the fault. The failures of underground power distribution cables represent a threat to the reliability of power infrastructure. Traditional methods of fault detection are not fully efficient. Hence, this project aims to detect a fault, the types of fault, and its location identification without digging. In this project, the methodology has been applied in such a manner the simple concept of Ohm’s law is applied. There are in total 7 units in this project which include Microcontroller Unit, different power supplies for operation, high quality Relays Modules, self-fault generating switches, a Display unit, a GSM module for communication, and a GPS module for location tracking. When power is supplied it has to be stepped down from 230V to 12V for the operation of control elements (such as LCD, relays, GSM, GPS, etc.) and has to be converted into DC form by using a bridge rectifier and filter. The fault will create manually by switches, switches are connected via resistors and resistors will use as cables. The fault will be calculated in terms of distance from the base station. These switches will be used for each phase and power flow from relays to load where relays indicate a fault when it occurs and will send the messages to the Microcontroller unit. It generally works like a brain where all units are connected which sends data to GPS where the data is collected of the occurrence of the fault along with its longitudes and latitudes coordinates (Navigations) and it sends data through GSM. A text will be received by the repairman with the type of fault, a distance of the fault (KM) along with the Link of location with latitudes and longitudes coordinates where everything is also displayed in LCD for each phase at the base station. It notifies and guides the Engineer/lineman/repairman through GPS, and GSM via android, and is also displayed on an LCD screen at the base station.

Project Objectives

• To make the system more economical and to reduce the money, efforts, and time to find a faulty cable line.
• To make the repair easier.
• To locate the fault by using GSM, GPS i-e., the distance of fault from feeder end so that it is easy to rectify the fault and also displayed on the LCD screen at the base station.
• The proposed method will be applicable for home underground cable system

Project Implementation Method

The implementation of the proposed system using Arduino UNO R3. UNO R3 is a microcontroller based on the ATmega328P. which comprised of 14 digital input/output pins, 6 analog inputs, a 16MHz ceramic resonator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. It takes input via GSM, GPS module, Relay driver, buzzer, LCD, Switches, and resistors.

In 1st stage: We install the Arduino IDE (the Arduino software) and set up Arduino UNO R3 Board on the computer, connecting the Arduino board (hardware) to a computer with a USB cable power.

2nd stage: Programmed the system for each algorithm (fault detecting, locating, displaying on LCD, details transmitting to authority) while using Arduino, GSM module, GPS module, relay drivers system, and LCD.

3rd stage: Connect all modules/circuits as the project is implemented.

4th stage: In this project, we created faults manually. By the implementation of switches which create faults and resistors used in place of cables. here the resistance is the leading role in this project. If any deviation occurs in the resistance the value of the voltage will be changed at that particular point fault will be occurred.

5th stage: Getting results by creating faults manually (open circuit fault and short circuit fault). The details will be displayed on LCD and also transmitted to the authority by SMS.

This project would be intensely beneficial for local grids and this method of fault detecting and locating can also be applicable for an overhead power distribution system. This method is more economical than others.

Benefits of the Project

• This Project helps us to identify the types of Faults Occurring underground without any physical effort.
• The exact fault location can be identified more quickly.
• The proposed technique will help to detect the fault and to monitor the smooth operation.
• It cut off the faulty part and prevents healthy parts from damaging.
• A great innovation for local grids to make the power distribution system reliable and flexible.
• This project offers an affordable and justifiable solution and will help to provide healthy operation of the local grids.
• By the implementation of these faults detecting and locating techniques cause fewer interruptions.
• It required low maintenance cost and also has a low installation cost.
• It is environment-friendly.
• This project applies to all types of cables ranging from 1kv to 500kv. The efficiency is high.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

• This project is based on Arduino (UNO), GSM, and GPS technology.
• Data will be transferred through two systems 1st it shows on the LCD  in the control room, the authority will be alerted and 2nd the repairman will receive a message by using the GSM module.
• the precise location will be searched by using a GPS module.
• Arduino programming will be compiled on Arduino IDE software.
• Switches are used to create the fault and Resistors are Used as cables.
• Compared to old methods of fault detection. Microcontrollers based using GSM and GPS technologies have high accuracy.

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Others

Core Technology

Artificial Intelligence(AI)

Other Technologies

Others

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action

Required Resources

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