ABSTRACT

This project is about design and implementation of a mobile embedded system to monitor and record key parameters of a distribution transformer like load currents, oil level and ambient temperature. The idea of on-line monitoring system integrates a global service mobile (GSM) Modem, with a standalone single chip microcontroller and different sensors. It is installed at the distribution transformer site and the above parameters are recorded using the analog to digital converter (ADC) of the embedded system. The obtained parameters are processed and recorded in the system memory. If any abnormality or an emergency situation occurs the system sends SMS (short message service) messages to the mobile phones containing information about the abnormality according to some predefined instructions programmed in the microcontroller. This mobile system will help the transformers to operate smoothly and identify problems before any catastrophic failure.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

1.0      INTRODUCTION

1.1      BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

• PROBLEM STATEMENT
• AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
• SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
• SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF PROJECT

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

• REVIEW OF RELATED STUDY
• IMPROVEMENT ON THE PREVIOUS WORKS
• REVIEW OF POWER TRANSFORMER FAULTS
• POWER TRANSFORMER PROTECTION
• PROPOSED SYSTEM

CHAPTER THREE

• METHODOLOGY
• HARDWARE IMPLEMENTATION
• SENSORS
• CIRCUIT DIGRAM OF THE MODEL

3.4     POWER SUPPLY

3.5     MICROCONTROLLER

3.6     LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

3.7     GSM MODEM

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1      SOFTWARE IMPLEMENTATION

4.3     SOFTWARE TOOLS

4.3    PROGRAMMING MICROCONTROLLER

4.4   PROJECT SOURCE CODE

4.5     RESULTS

CHAPTER FIVE

• CONCLUSION
• FUTURE WORK

REFERENCES

CHAPTER ONE

1.0                                                                 INTRODUCTION

1.1                                                   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In power systems, distribution transformer is electrical equipment which distributes power to the low-voltage users directly, and its operation condition is an important component of the entire distribution network operation. Operation of distribution transformer under rated condition( as per specification in their nameplate) guarantees their long life .However, their life is significantly reduced if they are subjected to overloading, resulting in unexpected failures and loss of supply to a large number of customers thus effecting system reliability. Overloading and ineffective cooling of transformers are the major causes of failure in distribution transformers[2]-[4]. The monitoring devices or systems which are presently used for monitoring distribution transformer exist some problems and deficiencies. Few of them are mentioned below.

• Ordinary transformer measurement system generally detects a single transformer parameter, such as power, current, voltage, and phase. While some ways could detect multi- parameter, the time of acquisition and operation parameters is too long, and testing speed is not fast enough.
• Detection system itself is not The main performance is the device itself instability, poor anti-jamming capability, low measurement accuracy of the data, or even state monitoring system should is no effect.
• Timely detection data will not be sent to monitoring centers in time, which cannot judge distribution transformers three-phase
• A monitoring system can only monitor the operation state or guard against steal the power, and is not able to monitor all useful data of distribution transformers to reduce costs.
• Many monitoring systems use power carrier communication to send data, but the power carrier communication has some disadvantages: serious frequency interference, with the increase in distance the signal attenuation serious, load changes brought about large electrical So if use power carrier communication to send data, the real-time data transmission, reliability cannot be guaranteed.

According to the above requirements, we need a distribution transformer real-time monitoring system to detect all operating parameters operation, and send to the monitoring centre in time. It leads to online monitoring of key operational parameters of distribution transformers which can provide useful information about the health of transformers which will help the utilities to optimally use their transformers and keep the asset in operation for a longer period. This will help to identify problems before any serious failure which leads to a significant cost savings and greater reliability. Widespread use of mobile networks and GSM devices such GSM modems and their decreasing costs have made them an attractive option not only for voice media but for other wide area network applications.

1.2       PROBLEM STATEMENT

In the power Distribution system there are a lot of operational losses from the distribution transformer which can be technical or due to vandalism/stealing. The magnitude of these losses is increasing at the high rate in several countries in the world. Using Nigeria as a case study for this proposal, for the last ten years, various towns and rural areas in Nigeria have in one way or the other experienced failure or vandalism of distribution transformers. Due to these challenges, Nigeria power has lost millions of money because it has to install new equipment or transformers and at the same time, customers in the affected areas incur a lot of losses due to power blackout that occurs now and then due to failure or vandalism [1]. This device was built to solve this problem. The device used sensors to monitor the state of a distribution transformer and automatically and wirelessly send a report to the authority responsible through a GSM alert.

1.3    AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aim of this project is to design and construct a GSM based distribution transformer monitoring system using electronic system that can monitor the state of a distribution transformation and report  via GSM sms. The objectives are:

1. To properly secure distribution transformer against failure and vandalism
2. To build a system model prototype

• To improve the rate of power supply in Nigeria.

1.5     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

The project is very significant for power line security and maintenance access control. It provides security to installations that in most out of sight areas. Other significant of the project are:

1. It effectively monitors movement of these vandals when they cross their boundary and alerts the power line operators and the people around since it is also the duty of every citizen to protect and guard national asset.
2. This project can be deactivated or reconfigured when an authorized personal are present in the distribution transformer zone.
3. The project can be used in any place around the world
4. It secures utility facilities, distribution facilities located which at the end of this project, the vandalism of PHCN properties will be greatly reduced.

1.6    SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF PROJECT

The project detects when the power line cuts that is immediately the cable is disconnected, whether there is power or not.

Limitations

One of the major constraints to this project work is funding while its limitations and suggestion for developments are:-

• The backup power supply of the project is battery. Batteries do not last longer as result of excess power consumption so in the future it will be better to use a standalone power supply system, (solar energy).
• The project has auto alert system by sms to alert the nearest security agency.