Design and implementation of a 100 kVA transformer monitoring and fault detection system for distribution network
Abstract The increasing complexity of today’s power distribution networks requires reliable and intelligent monitoring and maintenance systems, especially as the demand for electricity increases due to technological and population growth. Transformers, as critical infrastructure components, are susc...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43067-025-00213-0 |
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| _version_ | 1850114536552529920 |
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| author | Charity M. Nkinyam Leo Tanyam Encho Nfah Eustace Mbaka |
| author_facet | Charity M. Nkinyam Leo Tanyam Encho Nfah Eustace Mbaka |
| author_sort | Charity M. Nkinyam |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract The increasing complexity of today’s power distribution networks requires reliable and intelligent monitoring and maintenance systems, especially as the demand for electricity increases due to technological and population growth. Transformers, as critical infrastructure components, are susceptible to faults such as overloads, phase losses and neutral failures. These faults can result in service interruptions, high maintenance costs and reduced power quality. Despite the various approaches that have been explored in the literature, existing systems often lack phase-specific fault detection, real-time reporting, and effective integration with communication technologies. This paper presents the design and implementation of a 100 kVA distribution transformer monitoring and fault detection system using IoT and GSM technologies. The system features advanced sensors, local and remote data logging, and immediate fault reporting via SMS, real-time data acquisition and an IoT platform (ThingSpeak). It addresses specific limitations of current systems. These include the inability to confirm transformer energization status during fault events. The test results validate the accuracy and reliability of the system and demonstrate its effectiveness in improving the life of transformers, reducing downtime and enabling predictive maintenance. The accuracy of the system is demonstrated by a Pearson correlation coefficient of > 0.96 when compared to traditional instruments (multimeters). The solution is affordable, scalable and in line with the digital transformation of the electrical infrastructure, which makes it particularly suitable for use in developing countries' power grids. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-eccf428fdd3449e7b90084e446ef1505 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2314-7172 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology |
| spelling | doaj-art-eccf428fdd3449e7b90084e446ef15052025-08-20T02:36:50ZengSpringerOpenJournal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology2314-71722025-06-0112112210.1186/s43067-025-00213-0Design and implementation of a 100 kVA transformer monitoring and fault detection system for distribution networkCharity M. Nkinyam0Leo Tanyam Encho1Nfah Eustace Mbaka2Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, National Higher Polytechnic Institute (NAHPI), University of BamendaDepartment of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, University of BamendaDepartment of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, National Higher Polytechnic Institute (NAHPI), University of BamendaAbstract The increasing complexity of today’s power distribution networks requires reliable and intelligent monitoring and maintenance systems, especially as the demand for electricity increases due to technological and population growth. Transformers, as critical infrastructure components, are susceptible to faults such as overloads, phase losses and neutral failures. These faults can result in service interruptions, high maintenance costs and reduced power quality. Despite the various approaches that have been explored in the literature, existing systems often lack phase-specific fault detection, real-time reporting, and effective integration with communication technologies. This paper presents the design and implementation of a 100 kVA distribution transformer monitoring and fault detection system using IoT and GSM technologies. The system features advanced sensors, local and remote data logging, and immediate fault reporting via SMS, real-time data acquisition and an IoT platform (ThingSpeak). It addresses specific limitations of current systems. These include the inability to confirm transformer energization status during fault events. The test results validate the accuracy and reliability of the system and demonstrate its effectiveness in improving the life of transformers, reducing downtime and enabling predictive maintenance. The accuracy of the system is demonstrated by a Pearson correlation coefficient of > 0.96 when compared to traditional instruments (multimeters). The solution is affordable, scalable and in line with the digital transformation of the electrical infrastructure, which makes it particularly suitable for use in developing countries' power grids.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43067-025-00213-0Distribution transformerMonitoring systemFault detectionFault reportingMicrocontrollerThingSpeak IoT platform |
| spellingShingle | Charity M. Nkinyam Leo Tanyam Encho Nfah Eustace Mbaka Design and implementation of a 100 kVA transformer monitoring and fault detection system for distribution network Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology Distribution transformer Monitoring system Fault detection Fault reporting Microcontroller ThingSpeak IoT platform |
| title | Design and implementation of a 100 kVA transformer monitoring and fault detection system for distribution network |
| title_full | Design and implementation of a 100 kVA transformer monitoring and fault detection system for distribution network |
| title_fullStr | Design and implementation of a 100 kVA transformer monitoring and fault detection system for distribution network |
| title_full_unstemmed | Design and implementation of a 100 kVA transformer monitoring and fault detection system for distribution network |
| title_short | Design and implementation of a 100 kVA transformer monitoring and fault detection system for distribution network |
| title_sort | design and implementation of a 100 kva transformer monitoring and fault detection system for distribution network |
| topic | Distribution transformer Monitoring system Fault detection Fault reporting Microcontroller ThingSpeak IoT platform |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43067-025-00213-0 |
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