Design and Implementation of a GSM-based Monitoring System for a Distribution Transformer

Abstract

Maintaining the distribution power substation's health and reliability has been an issue for many years. A typical transformer measurement device detects only one transformer characteristic, such as power, current, voltage, or phase. While some methods can detect several factors, the acquisition time and operation parameters are too long, and the testing speed is insufficient. However, a monitoring system that can check the temperature level of the transformer continuously and predict faults such as overheating, overcurrent, after which the fault diagnosis is relayed to the base station through a GSM modem is developed in this paper. After receiving the message of any abnormality remedial action can be taken immediately to prevent any catastrophic failures of distribution transformers. Key components used in this development are the ATmega328 microcontroller, the GSM modem, the LM35 temperature sensor, ACS712 current sensor, and so on. The GSM-based monitoring of the distribution transformer is preferable to manual monitoring since it is not always possible to monitor the ambient temperature rise, load current manually.