Project Report
Project Report
PROJECT REPORT ON
IOT Based Distribution Transformer Health Monitoring System
Submitted in fullfillment of the Requirements for the award of Degree of
Submitted by
ANKIT ANAND (23103151921)
Session- 2022-26
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Certificate.................................................................................................................... iii
Acknowledgement...........................................................................................................iv
Chapter 2 11-13
OVERVIEW OF TRANSFORMER
symmery 24
Conclusion 25
Reference 26
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CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that the project report entitled "IOT BASED DISTRIBUTION
TRANSFORMER HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM" is a bonafide record of the work
carried out by the following students:
The project is submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of
Bachelor of Technology ([Link].) in Electrical Engineering from Government
Engineering College Siwan, during the academic session 2022-26.
This work has been performed under my supervision and guidance. To the best of
my knowledge, the matter embodied in this report has not been submitted to any
other University or Institute for the award of any degree or diploma.
The work, which is being presented in
the Project report is an authentic record of Project work.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The success and final outcome of this project required a lot of guidance and assistance from
many people, and we are extremely fortunate to have got this all through the completion of our
project work.
First and foremost, we would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to our project guide,
Prof. AMIT PATEL (Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, GEC, Siwan)
for his valuable guidance, constant encouragement, and kind supervision throughout the
development of this project. His technical expertise and insightful suggestions helped us
navigate the complexities of sensor interfacing and IoT integration.
We are express our gratitude toward Asst. Prof. SWETA KUMARI, (Head Of Department,
GEC, Siwan) for providing us with the necessary departmental facilities and a conducive
environment for our research and practical work.
We would like to extend my sincere thanks to the authorities of Bihar Engineering University,
Patna, for giving us the opportunity to work on such a technologically relevant and socially
impactful project
A special thanks goes to the staff of the Transformer Repairing {TRW} Workshop for
allowing us to observe the critical aspects of transformer winding, oil filtration, and common
failure points, which formed the foundation of our problem statement.
SUBMITTED BY:
Ankit Anand (23103151921)
Krishna Kumar (23103151914)
Praveen Kumar (23103151918)
Neha Kumari (23103151928)
Ritika Kumari (23103151931)
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CHAPTER 1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Transformer
A transformer is a static electrical device that transfers energy between AC circuits through
electromagnetic induction, increasing (step-up) or decreasing (step-down) voltage levels without
changing frequency.
Yoke
It is use to protect the transformer inner part to bad environment
condition.
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Buchholz Relay
It is a very sensitive gas and oil operated
instrument which safely detect the formation of gas or sudden pressure
inside the oil transformer. It is a electrical and mechanical both type operated
device. Electrical type relay is vary accurate as compare to mechanical type relay.
Conservator Tank
This is a cylindrical tank mounted on supporting
structure on the roof of the transformer's main tank. When transformer is loaded,
the temperature of oil increases and consequently the volume of oil in the
transformer gets increased. Again, when ambient temperature is increased, the
volume of oil is also increased. The conservator tank of a transformer provides
adequate space for expansion of oil. Conservator tank of transformer also acts as a
reservoir of oil.
Breather
When the temperature changes occur in transformer insulating
oil, the oil expands or contracts and there an exchange of air also occurs when
transformer is fully loaded. When transformer gets cooled, the oil level goes down
and air gets absorbed within. This process is called breathing and the apparatus that
pass through the air is called breather. Actually, silica gel breathers controls the
level of moisture, entering electrical equipment during the change in volume of the
cooling medium and airspace caused by temperature increasing. So it sucks the
moisture from the air which is taken by transformer so that dry air is taken by
transformer.
Drain Valve
Core
Core is used to support the windings in the transformer. It also
provides a low reluctance path to the flow of magnetic flux. It is made up of
laminated soft iron core in order to reduce eddy current loss and Hysteresis loss.
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less core loss of transformer and the copper loss increase. The vice versa happen
when the diameter is increased.
Generally, the core is made by many single strip (Width 0.5 to 0.6- mm).
Because the eddy current loss. stripe is made up of aluminum and silicon composite
material.
Generally, in primary winding has low current and high voltage winding. Primary
Windings (HV Winding) are made up of copper coil. The number of turns in it is the
multiple of the number of turns in the low voltage windings. It has copper coils thinner
than that of the low voltage windings.
Primary Winding is placed on secondary winding because of insulation
purpose.
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Secondary Winding ( LV-Winding)
Generally, the secondary winding has high current and low voltage winding.
Low voltage winding has lesser number of turns than that of the high voltage
windings. It is made up of the thick copper conductors. This is because the current in
the low voltage windings is higher than that of high voltage windings.
. The secondary winding are placed between core and primary winding.
Transformer Oil
Type of Testing
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Mainly Open circuit test is perform to find out the transformer losses. A
voltmeter, wattmeter, and an ammeter are connected in LV side of the transformer.
The voltage at rated frequency is applied to that LV side with the help of a variac of
variable ratio auto transformer. The HV side of the transformer is kept open. Now
with the help of variac, applied voltage gets slowly increased until the voltmeter
gives reading equal to the rated voltage of the LV side. After reaching at rated LV
side voltage, all three instruments reading (Voltmeter, Ammeter and Wattmeter
readings) are recorded. This reading is shows that losses of transformer.
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fig. shows that short circuit test diagram.
Insulation Faults: Breakdown of oil or solid insulation (cellulose paper) due to moisture
or contamination.
2.1. OVERVIEW
Distribution transformers are the most vital and expensive components of the power grid. They
ensure the final delivery of power to consumers by stepping down voltage levels. However, they
are prone to failures that can disrupt the entire distribution network.
The primary causes of transformer failure are overloading, low oil levels, and high voltage
fluctuations. Currently, monitoring is done manually through physical inspection, which is slow,
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error-prone, and inefficient. Delays in detecting these faults lead to transformer burnouts and
long power cuts.
Despite their importance, distribution transformers frequently fail due to several avoidable
factors:
Overloading: Operating beyond rated capacity leads to winding heat and eventual failure.
Oil Depletion: Low oil levels result in poor insulation and cooling, leading to internal
short circuits.
Voltage Fluctuations: High voltage spikes can damage the insulation of the transformer
core.
Manual Limitations: Existing systems rely on physical inspection, which is slow and
often results in detecting a fault only after the transformer has already failed.
2.3. OBJECTIVES
Reliability: By continuously tracking critical parameters like Voltage, Current, and Oil
Level, the system becomes more reliable.
Efficiency: Automated monitoring reduces human labor and the errors associated with
manual inspections.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Preventing a transformer from burning out saves distribution
companies (DISCOMs) significant amounts of money that would otherwise be spent on
expensive repairs.
Transformer failures lead to massive financial losses for distribution companies and cause long
power outages for consumers. There is an urgent market need for a remote, automated
monitoring system that can provide instant alerts. Compared to expensive industrial SCADA
systems, this IoT-based solution is specifically designed to be cost-effective for rural and remote
distribution networks.
The goal is to develop a functional prototype using an Arduino Uno and GSM technology. The
expected outcomes include:
Instant Protection: Using a relay module to trip the circuit before damage occurs.
Longevity: Increasing the operational life of the transformer through early fault
detection.
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CHAPTER 3: TECHNOLOGY & WORKING PRINCIPLE
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stress factors:
• Winding Stress: Overloading causes the internal windings to overheat,
leading to insulation degradation and eventual short circuits.
• Oil Contamination and Leakage: Proper oil filtration and filling are critical
for cooling. If the oil level drops below a safe threshold, the transformer loses
its ability to dissipate heat, leading to catastrophic failure.
• Voltage Fluctuations: Unstable input voltage from the grid can lead to core
saturation and high iron losses.
3.5. MARKET RELEVANCE
The economic impact of transformer failure is significant for Distribution Companies
(DISCOMs).
• Financial Losses: Companies spend massive amounts of money annually on
the repairing and replacement of burnt transformers.
• Consumer Impact: Failures result in long, unplanned power outages,
affecting residential productivity and industrial output.
• Need for Automation: There is an urgent market demand for a low-cost,
automated system that can be easily retrofitted onto existing transformers in
rural areas where manual monitoring is nearly impossible.
3.6. COMPARATIVE STUDY
Our proposed solution, the monitoring system, offers several advantages over commercial
units:
• Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizing an Arduino Uno and affordable sensors keeps
the total budget between ₹2,125 and ₹3,200, which is a fraction of the cost of
industrial units.
• User Accessibility: By using ThingSpeak and GSM, officials can receive
instant SMS alerts on their mobile phones and view detailed graphs from any
location.
• Automatic Protection: Unlike simple monitoring devices, our system
includes a relay module to physically trip the circuit if parameters exceed safe
limits, preventing the transformer from burning
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CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY AND IMPLEMENTATION
4.1. MICROCONTROLLER
ARDUINO UNO R3
The Arduino Uno R3 serves as the central processing unit or the "brain" of the health
monitoring system. It is based on the ATmega328P microcontroller and is responsible for
receiving analog signals from sensors, processing them according to the embedded code, and
triggering communication or protection modules.
Core Specifications:
o Operating Voltage: 5V.
o Analog Input Pins: 6 (A0-A5), utilized for voltage and current sensing.
o Digital I/O Pins: 14, used for the GSM module, sensors, and relay.
Role in System: The Arduino continuously polls the sensors and maps the analog
values to real-world units (Voltage and Amperes). It also handles the Serial
communication required for the GSM module and I2C communication for the LCD.
4.2. COMMUNICATION MODULE
GSM SIM900A
The GSM SIM900A module provides the system with remote communication capabilities,
allowing it to function without the need for local Wi-Fi.
Technical Features:
o Dual-Band 900/1800 MHz.
o Controlled via AT commands through the Arduino Serial interface.
o Power Requirement: 12V 2A external adapter is used to handle the high
current peaks during signal transmission.
Role in System: When the Arduino detects an abnormality (such as overloading or
low oil), the GSM module is triggered to send an instant SMS alert to the registered
mobile numbers of the control room officials.
4.3. VOLTAGE SENSOR
ZMPT101B
The system employs two ZMPT101B active voltage sensors to monitor the step-down
process.
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Functionality: This sensor consists of a high-accuracy voltage transformer and an
operational amplifier circuit. It can measure AC voltage up to 250V.
Interfacing: * Sensor 1 is connected to Analog Pin A1 to monitor the 220V Input
side.
o Sensor 2 is connected to Analog Pin A2 to monitor the Output side.
4.4. CURRENT SENSOR
ACS712 (30A)
To track the load and prevent overloading, two ACS712 sensors are integrated.
Principle: It works on the Hall-effect principle, where a copper conduction path
generates a magnetic field proportional to the current flow, which is then converted
into a variable voltage.
Interfacing:
o Sensor 1 (Input side) is connected to Analog Pin A0.
o Sensor 2 (Output side) is connected to Analog Pin A3.
4.5. OIL LEVEL AND TEMPERATURE SENSORS
Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04): This is used to monitor the transformer oil tank level.
It operates by sending ultrasonic waves and measuring the time taken for the echo to
return. It is connected to Digital Pins 7 (Trig) and 6 (Echo).
Temperature Sensor (DHT11): This sensor monitors the transformer core
temperature to prevent winding burnouts. It is interfaced with Digital Pin 2.
4.6. DISPLAY AND PROTECTION UNITS
16x2 LCD with I2C Module: Provides a local interface to view real-time data on-
site.
5V Relay Module: Acts as the protection switch. If a fault occurs, the Arduino sends
a signal to the relay to "trip" or disconnect the load to save the transformer from
permanent damage.
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Block Diagram Of IOT based monitoring system.
Sensing Layer: Analog sensors are used to track the physical health of the
transformer.
o HC-SR04 (Oil Level) uses Digital Pin 7 (Trig) and Digital Pin 6 (Echo).
Communication Layer:
o The GSM SIM900A module is connected via Software Serial on Pins 9 (TX)
and 10 (RX).
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1. Initialization: Setting baud rates for Serial and GSM communication.
2. Data Acquisition: Reading raw analog values and converting them into RMS voltage
and current using mathematical calibration factors.
3. Threshold Comparison: The Arduino compares real-time data against pre-set safety
limits (e.g., Max Temp > 60°C or Voltage < 180V).
4. Local Display: Values are printed on the 16x2 LCD for on-site monitoring.
o Field 5: Temperature.
Data Transmission: The Arduino sends data strings to the cloud using the Write API
Key generated by ThingSpeak.
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Thing Speak Interface
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Physical Protection: The Relay Module is activated, which acts as a circuit breaker
to disconnect the load and prevent the transformer windings from burning.
Remote Alert: The GSM module sends an SMS alert to the registered mobile
numbers of the control room.
An Automotive Bulb served as the variable load to test the current sensors.
A Transparent Container filled with fluid was used to calibrate the Ultrasonic oil
level sensor.
Estimated Cost
Component Name Description
(INR)
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Estimated Cost
Component Name Description
(INR)
Voltage Sensor
Active AC voltage transformer ₹115 - ₹200
(ZMPT101B)
12V 2A Power Adapter Powering the GSM and Arduino ₹100 - ₹250
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Vendor Analysis: Different vendors are being compared to ensure the long-term
reliability of the components used in the system.
Hardware Assembly: This involves the physical integration of all sensors onto a
PCB and professional soldering to avoid loose connections.
Advanced Code Development: Writing the final Embedded C/C++ scripts to handle
all 6 sensors simultaneously and establishing a stable link with ThingSpeak.
Load Testing: Conducting full system testing using a step-down transformer and
automotive bulb to simulate real-world transformer conditions.
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SUMMERY
Project Overview
The "IoT Based Distribution Transformer Health Monitoring System" is a specialized
engineering solution designed to enhance the reliability of the power grid. Distribution
transformers are identified as the most vital and expensive assets within the electrical
distribution network, yet they are highly susceptible to failures due to overloading, oil
depletion, and voltage fluctuations.
Core Methodology and Technology
The system is built on the pillars of Embedded Systems and GSM Communication
Technology. It utilizes an Arduino Uno R3 as the central processing unit, which interfaces
with a suite of sensors to track the transformer's physical and electrical health.
Sensing Layer: The system measures input/output voltage using ZMPT101B sensors
and current through ACS712 modules.
Environmental Monitoring: A DHT11 sensor tracks the core temperature, while an
HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor monitors oil levels within the tank.
Data Processing: The Arduino compares real-time data against safety thresholds to
determine if the system should trigger a 5V Relay to trip the circuit, thereby
preventing permanent hardware damage.
Connectivity and Cloud Integration
A defining feature of this project is its dual-mode notification system. Locally, status updates
are provided via a 16x2 LCD display. Remotely, the SIM900A GSM module sends instant
SMS alerts to officials when abnormalities are detected. Furthermore, the system is integrated
with the ThingSpeak IoT platform, where a dedicated 6-field channel visualizes data for
input/output voltage, current, temperature, and oil level, allowing for remote status checks
from any location.
Economic and Practical Impact
The project aims to facilitate a shift from "Breakdown Maintenance" to "Preventive
Maintenance". With a total estimated budget of ₹2,125 - ₹3,200, this solution is
significantly more cost-effective than industrial SCADA systems, making it ideal for rural or
remote distribution networks where manual inspection is difficult. By reducing human labor
and preventing transformer burnouts, the system ensures less downtime and higher reliability
for the power grid.
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Conclusion
The IOT Based Distribution Transformer Health Monitoring System ensures higher reliability
and longevity of critical grid assets. By providing instant alerts and remote data access, it
reduces maintenance costs and prevents sudden failures.
• Remote Access: You can check the transformer's status from anywhere.
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References
1. [Link], P. R, R. R. V, S. B R and S. N. K. Reddy, "IoT-Based Distribution
Transformer Health Monitoring System using Node-MCU & Blynk," 2021 Third
International Conference on Inventive Research in Computing Applications
(ICIRCA), Coimbatore, India, 2021, pp. 1-4.
2. Ramdham, Mayur. (2022). IoT Based Distribution Transformer Health
Monitoring System. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and
Engineering Technology. 10. 3945-3950. 10.22214/ijraset.2022.44754.
3. Biju Rajan , Amanraj S , Akhil S , Nayana S “IoT based Distribution Transformer
Health Monitoring System using Arduino, Nodemcu and Thingspeak”
International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
[Link] ISSN: 2278-0181.
4. Kunal Sonigra, Prasad Patil, Pratik Chaudhari, Mangesh Moharkar, Manthan Ishi,
Manish D Mahale, “IoT Based Distribution Transformer Condition Monitoring
System” ,G H Raisoni Institute of Business Management Jalgaon, Maharashtra,
India.
5. Mr. [Link], [Link], [Link], [Link], "IoT-Based Distribution
Transformer Health Monitoring System” Muthayammal College of Engineering,
Namakkal, India.
6. Shelke Aishwarya Abasaheb, Kshirsagar Jitendra Ramakant, Dugad Shreyash
Manoj, Dr. Date A.R,Dr. Divekar S.N “Transformer Health Monitoring System”,
HSBPVT’s GOI Faculty of Engineering, Kashti, SPPU, Maharashtra, India.
7. [Link], Sanjana Surwade, Rushikesh Avinash Sarad, Ishika Vijay
Taklikar, Reesha Ali, Vedant Lonare “IOT Integrated Transformer Health
Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance System”, Department of Artificial
Intelligence and Data Science Anjuman College of Engineering and Technology,
Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
8. Mr. Ankulge Ashitosh, Pallavi Mule, Sanskruti Thakur, Anjali Rajegavse, Sayali
Jadhav, “Iot Based Transformer Health Monitoring System” Vishweshwarayya
Polytechnic, Latur, India.
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