Design and Construction of a Remote-Controlled Distribution Transformer Monitoring and Control System
Chapter One
AIMS AND OBJECTIVE
This project aims to design and construct an internet-based system based transformer monitoring system using ESP 8266 module. The specific objectives of this project are:
- To acquire real-time data of transformer parameters remotely over the internet
- To ascertain the effectiveness of current transformer monitoring systems
- To help identify problems before any failure thus resulting in long life services for distribution transformers
- To ensure a safe and reliable operation of the electricity distribution network by minimizing or eliminating transformer failures
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
REVIEW OF EXISTING TRANSFORMER MONITORING SYSTEMS
Power systems across the globe are built with the intent of providing for the energy needs of the modern times. Hence, it is understood that meeting the needs of the customers is the most important reason why a power system is established, with the profit coming along while doing the business.
Distribution transformers are one of the most important equipment in power network. Because of, the large number of transformers distributed over a wide area in power electric systems, the data acquisition and condition monitoring is an important issue. There are several types of faults in the distribution system. However, faults associated with the distribution transformer are a major source of downtime in power supply (Mandekar, 2017). In order to guarantee stable power supply, distribution transformer should be monitored adequately. Some of the parameters that can be monitored are load currents, voltage levels, temperature. Currently in Nigeria, distribution transformer monitoring system is done offline, mainly by inspection by the distribution station staff or by the residents in the area reporting a fault to the distribution station. This often leads to power outage for a long time, since detection is not automated and response may be slow. However, with current technologies especially in the area of telecommunications, it is possible to monitor distribution transformers on real time basis using any of the available technologies, reporting incidences immediately and protecting the transformer from further damage.
There are various existing or emerging technologies or systems used for online transformer diagnosis such as Supervisory control and data acquiring (SCADA) systems, Radio frequency (RF) based control system , Internet based control system, GSM based control system and wireless sensor networks (WSN). Some of the existing systems are discussed below.
DIAGNOSTICS OF DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS
Distribution transformer is an imperative link of the distribution system without which the utility would not be able to supply electricity to consumers. In this review two developed diagnostics technologies frequency response analysis and partial discharge measurement are discussed. In general the diagnostic methods deliver the status of power transformers and the prediction of the ageing condition. Ageing in the insulation system of power transformers is caused by Impact of air, moisture, temperature, mechanical and electrical overstressing and insulation contamination.
Partial Discharge measurement
The major cause of transformer insulation deterioration and damage is the partial discharge. A partial discharge is defined as a localized electrical discharges that only partially bridge the insulation between conductors and which can or cannot occur adjacent to conductors. The main sources of partial discharges are voids, cavities, gas bubbles in liquid insulation or solid liquid insulation and sharp particles or edges in insulation. For transformer partial discharge monitoring, mainly electrical, acoustic and chemical detection are used. The electrical Partial discharge measurement system in transformers usually consists of two types coupling sensors: Capacitive and Inductive coupling sensors and data acquisition units. The bushing tap is connected to ground with a wire, it is possible to measure the current passing through that wire by means of a High Frequency Current Transformer (HFCT), which is an inductive coupling sensor. Acoustic detection is based on the phenomenon that Partial discharge emits sound. This sound is created when the current streamer is formed and the material surrounding the streamer is formed and the material surrounding the streamer is vapourized. This vapourisation causes rapid release of mechanical energy, which propagates in the form of a pressure field. Mechanical vibrations in transformer cores are the primary source of acoustic noise. Detection of chemical byproducts that are produced by partial discharge activity is one of the simplest methods for partial discharge detection.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
The project was designed and implemented using the top to bottom design method. This approach involves breaking down into smaller units to enable the designer get more insight into the system. It is discussed sequentially in the following phases
- Specification development/planning phase
- Generation of conceptual design phase.
- Detailed design phase
- Construction phase.
SPECIFICATION DEVELOPMENT/PLANNING PHASE
In this phase the goal was to determine the objectives and engineering requirement of the project as well as develop a project plan.
GENERATION OF CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PHASE
One important step taken in this phase is breaking down the design into core functional blocks to simplify the rest of the design and construction process. A more in-depthstudy of these functional blocks makes the system to be better understood.
The system is divided into four different units:
- Input unit: this unit is made up of the power supply, current, voltage and temperature sensory unit.
- Processing unit: this is made of the microcontroller
- Transmission unit: this unit is made up of Esp 8266 module.
- Output unit: is made up of LCD and relay.
CHAPTER FOUR
CONSTRUCTION, TEST AND RESULT
IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation of the design can be categorized into various hardware unit with each unit with each unit consisting of groups of components connected together for the overall efficient performance of the system. The various unit that makes up the system are classified into
Input unit: this unit is made up of the power supply, current sensor, voltage sensor and temperature sensor unit.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION
This paper has presented, provide a means for measuring and controlling transformer parameters through the internet. The change of transformer parameter due to varying load causes a change in the voltage, current and temperature value which are sent in real time to a central server over the internet.
PROBLEM ENCOUNTER
- Limited knowledge about components at the initial stage of design
- Time constraints
- Materials/components need where not readily available around the school environment
- Not all milestone set during project planning was not meant due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Cold joint between power pin of microcontroller and Vero board caused the microcontroller to behave heretically, this is solved by re-soldering the joints properly.
RECOMMENDATION
This project is of great importance as it solves the problem of manual monitoring of transformer parameter.
This project work can be put in the lab where it will meaningful to student during practical in other for them to seen how transformer behave due to changing value of voltage, current and temperature.
Also, due to the low cost in implementing the project work it is recommended that distribution companies (DISCOS) should invest into the work in other to increase its efficiency and create a suitable model for the country’s distribution network
REFERENCES
- Ansuman Sharma, R. B. (2013). Gsm based distribution transformer. Odisha: National Institute of Technology.
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