Design of a Load Monitoring System for a Distribution Transformer

Abstract

In this study, a load monitoring system was developed to monitor the loading conditions of a distribution transformer over a week. Testing revealed that the transformer’s peak load reached 14.96 kVA, pushing it to operate at 149.55% of its 10kVA rated capacity, indicating an overloaded condition. The data visualization of the load monitoring system also indicates that the recorded daily peak loads consistently exceeded the transformer’s capacity, suggesting the necessity of uprating the transformer. Utilizing a split-core current sensor, the load monitoring system is implemented without the need to de-energize the distribution transformer from operation. It effectively assesses the distribution transformer loading conditions in real-time and remotely, allowing for continuous and efficient data collection without on-site manpower requirements.