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Design and Implementation Smart Transformer based on IoT

Conference Paper · August 2019

DOI: 10.1109/iCCECE46942.2019.8941980

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Design and Implementation Smart Transformer based
on IoT
Walid K A Hasan Abobaker Alraddad Abdulfatah Ashour
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Department Department Department
AlJabal AlGharbi University, Higher Institute of Technology Higher Institute of Technology,
Ghiryan Ghiryan Ghiryan
Waleed82ly@yahoo.com Alrdad@yahoo.com fathialrabty@gamil.com

Yachao Ran Mohamed A Alkelsh Reyadh A M Ajele

School of Engineering Electrical & Electronic Engineering Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Newcastle University Department Department
Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK Gharayn University, Higher Institute of Technology,
y.ran@newcastle.ac.uk M.alkelsh@gmail.com Ghiryan
Riyadh_egeli@yahoo.com

Abstract——Power transformers, which perform the function transformers is 20-25 years. [1]. The transformers are mainly
of transforming the voltage levels, are one of the most important installed when their operational life is about to end. The
electrical equipments that are used in power transmission monitoring methods currently being used are related with
systems. Hence, it is mandatory to perform power transformer electrical parameters and those parameters does not give any
maintenance; as they are normally scattered geographically, it is idea about the condition of the distributiontransformer
impractical to do periodical monitoring due to insufficient internally. For such an important asset in power system,
manpower. As the reason above, transformer failure may occur periodical maintenance is not sufficient. An online monitoring
which causes the transformer from network unexpectedly power system is required, which base on the conditions to maintain
shutdown. To overcome this shutdown from transformer failure
the transformers. The condition of the equipment will be
of the adapter, a system for transformer monitoring and self-
protection was proposed in case the maintenance is delayed. In
monitored remotely, in the mean time a maintein and control
this paper, the temperature and humidity within the transformer schedule can be arranged in real time. A doctor analyses
were monitored, in addition to monitoring the rate of loading on different symptoms of a disease by understanding it before
the transformer. By using the internet of things (IoT), a self- suggesting a cure. In a similar way, before making a proper
protection system is designed and implemented for the decision, condition monitoring techniques use different
transformer. Where, if the transformer is not serviced quickly, parameters, both internal and external that are linked to a
the transformer will separate loads of low-importance transformer, to predict its status of operation. Based on the
(workshops, Homes,….) and it will keep the loads of high severness which is the main feature in asset management, the
importance (hospitals,…) .and if the transformer is unable to decision can be used to schedule maintanence or removal and
feed the loads of high importance, in this case the transformer replacement. But existing monitoring device systems used for
will separates all loads and stay in no-load status where the monitoring distribution transformer has some insufficiencies.
transformer monitor its parameters by itself, if all parameters of Some are mentioned below.[2],[3].
the transfoemer return to the normal level, the transformer
automatically returns the loads in order of priority. All these The system used for detection is very inconsistent. The
components have been grouped and combined into one device. In performance of a system depends on multiple factors such as
addition the device is powered using an AC-DC adapter by an unstability of a device, jamming capability of a device, result
external power source of accuracy in data when data is measured is low or there is no
affect on another system.
Keywords: IoT ; GSM; Power Transformer; distribution
transformer ; monitoringsystem ; humidity; temperature. The measurement system for a transformer only measures
one parameter of a transformer such as current, voltage, power
I. INTRODUCTION and phase. There are ways which detect more than one
In today’s world, the power system network of a smart grid parameters, but the speed of testing is not so fast and it takes
holds the prime importance because of the high demand of more time and operation parameters are long to handle with
quality power supply. It is usually done by deploying multiple such speed.
approaches for monitoring, protecting and controlling Three-phase equilibrium of distribution transformers cannot
mechanisms. In distribution networks, the distribution of be judged because monitoring centers will receive the detection
transformer is an essential part. In the point of view of Libyan, data late.
the power system network can be monitored by such systems,
which can be controlled in a certain degree. The average life of

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 The state of operation or guard can be monitored against Autors in [7] proposed proposed a monitor and control
power steal by the monitoring system, and the system is unable system combined with the internet of things for distribution
to monitor data of tranformers related to users to reduce the transformers. The proposed system sends SMS for further
costs.[1],[3]. processing to a central database through the GSM modem. The
system uses the combination of GSM modem, chip micro
For sending data, power carrier communication is used by controller and different sensors to make an on-line monitoring
many monitoring systems, but there are some disadvantages in system. The installation of the system will be at the site of
using power carrier communication: serious frequency distribution transformer and the and the parameters defined
interference, when the distance increases the signal attenuation above are recorded by the analog to digital converter (ADC) in
occurs,and large electrical noise would occur if load changes. the embedded system.. The processing and recording of the
Then for sending real-time data, if carrier communication is obtained parameters is done in the system memory. In case of
used, consistent good results are not guaranteed. Based on the any deviation or if any unforeseen circumstances occur, the
requirements mentioned above, it is an increasing demanding mobile phones will receive the SMS messages which has
need for a real time distribution transformer monitoring complete details about the deviation occurred according to the
system. A system which detects all operating parameter instructions that are defined in the micro controller.[7]
operations and then send data to the monitoring center in real
time. In result, key operational parameters are monitored to  Anirudh et el [8] suggested an advanced remote
provide functional data for the life of transformers which helps monitoring system. This system is proposed for
to use the transformers in an optimal way and the asset which distribution transformers. These transformers uses
is in operation stays for a long time. It will also help to pick out GSM communication network so the investment and
problems before a failure, and by doing so cost can be saved operation cost is low. The installation and use of this
and will achieve more consistency. It will be an attractive system is easy too. To analyze the voltage unbalance
option due to extensive use of internet and wi-fi devices for condition, a novel software (DTMAS) has been
sending data as well as for other network applications.[3],[4]. introduced which is used for three different types of
The rest of the paper will be organized as folloew: : Section II distribution transformers.[8]
presents some previous studies in smart transformer. Section
III explains the proposed system with its tools. In section V the  Bhakare Govind et al. [9] proposed a mobile
proposed system setup and implementation will be introduced. embedded system. This system is used to monitor and
Sections IV the results and discussion of the proposed system record key operation indicators i.e. load currents,
will be explained. Finally, a conclusion and future work are transformer oil and ambient temperatures of a
given in Section VII. distribution transformer. The online monitoring
system combine GSM modem, an independent single
II. LITERATURE SURVEY chip microcontroller and sensor packages. the
installation is complete at the site of the distribution
Autors in [5] proposed a wireless transformer monitoring
transformers and the 8-channel ADC records the
parameters. The most important purpose of this system is
defined parameters mentioned above. The processing
monitoring and controlling of transformer through RF module.
and recording of the parameters is done in the system
By using a temperature sensor, microcontroller and RF
memory. If any anomaly occurs, the mobile phones
transmission which is wireless communication, both
will receive the SMS by the system with complete
monitoring and controlling can be done. The transformer has
details about the abnormality according to the policies
three parameters which are monitored i.e. voltage, current and
embedded to the system EEPROM. The system also
temperature. The monitored data is then send to a remote
sends SMS to a central database for processing it
location. The transmission between RF and client is done via
further through a GSM modem. This mobile system
controller.[5]
will be helpful to use transformers in an optimal way
Sujatha et al. [6] suggested a GSM technique. This and also problems will be identify earlier before the
technique can be apply successfully for special protection occurance of any failure.[9].
systems. These systems are developed earlier and are based on
communication. The proposed GSM technique can increase  Autors in [10] offered a past maintenance of
system’s reliability during network interruptions. The GSM transformers. This was built on a pre-determined
technique is independent of the distance parameter and schedule. As the communication technology is
increases the speed of communication. To meet the reliability improving day by day, false transformer information
requirement of the network, an authenticated hardware must be can be received by the respective authorities
designed. The data acquisition from an electrical sensing remotely via GSM technology. This will help to
system is done by an embedded hardware. The system sends solve the problem before converting fault in to a
data from one network to another and measures the change in fatal condition. Depending upon fault analysis,
parameters of transmission so that the entire process of transformer health monitoring kit based on a
transmission and distribution can be fully protected. GSM prototype model of micro-controller is developed in
supports bi-directional communication as a message.The laboratory. Results are being updated on regular
interpreter is used among many tools and systems is visually basis by using digital controller analysis. If any
presented with basic software.[6] abnormality occurs, information is sent to the
operators via GSM technology for possible remedial
action.[10]

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 III. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
As the world is emerging so fast, for each transformer, its
monitoring and taking instant steps when any fault occurs is the
first and foremost challenge. To keep a transformer in a better
state, various of factors are required to be measured and
monitored. But doing it manually, by deploying a person at
each sub-station is costly and difficult to work out. In addition,
it may lead to human error during measurements. This paper
proposed a real time IoT based solution to the problems
mentioned above. The system uses sensors to collect the main
transformer's factors and in the mean time the monitoring is
done remotely using web based wireless applications.
A. Objective of the Problem
 Self-protection in the case of overload on the
transformer and the separation of the full and inform
Fig. 1. Proposed system architecture
the maintenance teams.
 No wires are required in the proposed system. As a C. Basic Block Diagram of System
result avoiding power or data loss The Fig. 2 block diagram represents the monitoring device
mounted near the transformer. The components in the block
 Detect of the faults in real time base on current, diagram monitor various parameters associated with the
voltage and temperature. transformer. Fig. 3 shows the circuit diagram of the proposed
system. Fig. 4 shows the circuit diagram of the proposed
 Monitoring multiple transformers remotely.
system by using fritzing program.
 The use of WiFi achieves more accuracy and fast
response in fault monitoring.
 Increase system reliability and stability by the
monitoring system.
 The system prevents faults and losses of the power
supply which significantly benefits utility consumers
 Overcurrent, overtemperature are prevented using this
technique.
B. Proposed System Architecture
Normally the transformer failures occur due to the over
voltage fluctuations and over current fluctuations, overheating
and spark, etc. We can develop systems to reduce the faults
respectively. The parameters of the transformer like voltage
fluctuations, current fluctuations, temperature, oil chamber Fig. 2. Block diagram for monitoring transformer
moisture and spark are monitored remotely through NodeMcu.
The sensors sense the change in current levels, temperature, oil
chamber moisture and then forward the information of the
transformers using WiFi module. This data can be accessed
remotely by an android application via a thingspeak.com email
and display on it respectively. The maintenance of distribution
transformers can be achieved by implement the system
proposed by this paper. In addition, NodeMcu checks the oil
chamber moisture, current, voltage, temperature, status of the
transformer. Alert pin of the NodeMcu is activated, and if the
load current is over transformer capacity, the buzzer will
generate beep sound and optical alert with different colors (red
and green). Finally, the NodeMcu checks the status of the
transformer in the case of overloading. If an overload occurs, Fig. 3. Circuit diagram of proposed system
the NodeMcu disconnects some of these loads according to a
self-defined strategy by relays. The proposed system
architecture is depicted in the Fig. 1.

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D. Hardware Requirements Fig. 5. ACS712 hall effect current sensor

1. Nodemcu : NodeMcu is an open source IoT platform. It has 3. Temperature and Humidity sensor: In this project the
a board nodemcu, which is a WiFi development board of DHT11 is used to measure the temperature, humidity and it
24GHz. It depends on ESP-12E. It follows a programming is shown in Fig. 6. The DHT11 temperature range is from 0
language and technology of LUA. Nodemcu is considered as a to 50 degrees Celsius with +-2 degrees accuracy. The
combined unit and on the board, all resources are available. humidity range is from 20 to 80% with 5% accuracy. For
With the projects that are based on arduino or the projects the sampling rate, the DHT11 is 1Hz or one reading every
using board for development which require available second, and the DHT11 has a smaller body size. The
input/output pins, NodeMcu is very easy to supplement as operating voltage of both sensors is from 3 to 5 volts, while
shown in Fig.4 below. the max current used when measuring is 2.5 mA.[11],12].

Fig. 6. DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor

Fig. 4. The nodemcu chip 4.Relay: The relay is an electromagnetic device. It is used to
seperate two circuits electrically and connect them
Main Features: magnetically. Relays are very useful and makes it possible
 Tools such as node.js which are modern development that one circuit can switch the other while both are not linked
tools achieve the best results immediately by taking to each other as shown in Fig.4. Relays are used mostly to
advantage of NodeMcu. combine an electronic circuit to an electrical circuit so that
 The foundation of Nodemcu is mature ESP8266 the electric circuit works at very high voltage. There are
technology. There are support resources available three contactors in basic relay: normally open (NO),
online. normally close (NC) and common (COM). When there is no
 NodeMcu board has ESP-12E serial WiFi. This board input state, the COM is connected to NC. When the
is combined with various of resources i.e GPIO, operating voltage is applied to relay, the relay coil gets
chatged and energized and COM changes to NO contact. A
PWM, ADC, I2C and 1-WIRE.
relay runs by an electric current which is small and can turn
 NodeMcu has CP2102 USB to TTL serial circuits that
on or off a much larger electric current. The core of a relay is
are reliable industrially and these circuits support all
an electromagnet. And it is shown in Fig. 7.[12],[13].
platforms.[11],[12]
2.Current Sensor: In the proposed system, the current is
measured by using sensor ACS712, as showed in Fig.5.
The sensor provides accurate current measurements in
terms of both AC and DC signal. Overall power
consumption of the system is thus monitored. The sensor
produces output voltage proportional to sensed current,
based on the Hall Effect principle. In ACS712 sensor, 5V
of supply is connect to Vcc and negative 0V is connected to Fig. 7. The relay devices
GND. Once powered, Vout produces output represents the
current going through the sensing pads. A (Vcc/2) will be 5.LED's: The LED is a light source and light is created by
produced if the load is in OFF state. ACS712 is able to using semiconductors and electroluminescence. Light
provide bilateral current measurement, i.e. voltage bigger emitting diodes are of two kinds: LED and OLED. The
than 2.5V (Vcc/2) indicates one direction, otherwise difference between LED and EL lamp is that a small crystal
indicates the current in another direction. of semiconductor having reflectors and some other parts are
used so that the light brights and focus point will be a single
point. The OLED and EL lamp have very similar designs,
the flat sandwich materials. However, at the layer that emits
light, the LED and EL lamps use organic (carbon)
molecules.And Fig. 8 shows the LED..[11,14].

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 Fig. 8. The LED light

6.Buzzer: A buzzer or beeper is an audio signalling device.

It is either mechanical, eletromechanical or piezoelectric.
Buzzers and beepers can usually be found in alarm devices Fig. 11. The main interface of thingspeak.com.
and timers, or to be used as a confirmation of user input
such as a mouse lick or keystroke as shown in Fig. 9 IV. WORKING PRINCIPLE
below.[11,13]
All the sensors integrated into the transformer unit are
interfaced with Node MCU to receive and process the
substation parameters. The micro-controller forwards data to
cluster-based data aggregation sink, which here is a cloud
service as showed in Fig. 12. Next, the data is forwarded to a
predefined web application and then could be access remotely.
Fig. 9. The buzzer devises In addition, the status of each transformer is extracted and
forward to the same web application along with the parameter
7. Power supply: In this project uses a 3.3V adapter to feed values. In addition to this. The status of each transformer is
the main controller (NodeMcu).[13,14]. extracted via web application and it is also notified along with
parameter values.
E. Software Requirements:
1) Nodemcu software: The code is generated and
debugged using the IDE language 2017 environment. Codes
are written in a Arduino 1.8.5 software. High and Low
sensitivity of the sensor, buzzing unit, LED and relay are
embedded. The major component of the program is in the
control unit of the micro-controller. The reason of choosing
IDE is because of its speed, stability and universal availability Fig. 12. Cluster-based clouddata aggregation
Fig. 10 shows when the code is running.
V. RESULTS
In this section, the reactor unitprototype of the proposed
system is shown in Fig. 13, and the data displayed on web
application is shown in Fig. 14.

Fig. 10. Running of the code

2) Internet of things (IoT): The Internet of Things (IoT) is

a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and
digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided
with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a
network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-
computer interaction. Fig. 11 shows the main interface of
thingspeak.com.[4].

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 In future, the system can be enhanced with additional
features for automation of the tasks at transformer like a GPS
module can be included in this system for location status of
each transformer is extracted.In addition the security of data
transmission should be considered.
REFERENCES
[1] Mir, S. H., Sahreen Ashruf, S., Bhat, Y., and Beigh, N. Review on Smart
Electric Metering System Based on GSM/IOT. Asian Journal of
Electrical Sciences, 8(1), 1-6, 2019.
[2] Yamuna, R., Geetha, R., Gowdhamkumar, S., and Jambulingam, S.
Smart Distribution Transformer Monitoring and Controlling using
IoT. International Research Journal of Multidisciplinary
Technovation, 1(4), 1-6, 2019.
[3] Sohraby, K., Minoli, D., Occhiogrosso, B., and Wang, W. A review of
wireless and satellite-based m2m/iot services in support of smart
grids. Mobile Networks and Applications, 23(4), 881-895, 2018.
[4] W.Hasan , J. Agbinya , and G Y. Tian. A Survey of Energy Efficient
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Fig. 13. The reactor unitprototype [5] V. Shinge , O.Shukla , P. Panday , and M.chaple "Wireless Transformer
Parameter Monitoring System Using RF Module".International Journal
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Control Engineering Vol. 4, Issue 4, April 2016.
[6] M. S. Sujatha., M. V. Kumar, “On-Line Monitoring and Analysis of
Faults in Transmission and Distribution Lines Using GSM Technique”,
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1992- 8645, E-ISSN: 1817-3195, 30th November 2011, Vol. 33 No.2.
[7] S.Sivaranjani, M.E., S.Lokesh, M.Vignesh, N.Vijayaragavan , and
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[8] Kumar, A., Raj, A., Kumar, A., Prasad, S., and Kumar, B. “Method for
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[9] B. Govind A, D. Nilesh P , and S. Pawar. “GSM Based Distribution
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Fig. 14. Transformer status is displayed on web application
[10] K. Vadirajacharya, A.Kharche, H.Kulakarni, V.Landage. “ Transformer
Health Condition Monitoring Through GSM Technology ”. IJSER
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(human) and the maintenance team is sent directly to the [12] Don Wilcher, “Learn Electronics with Arduino”, illustrated Edition,
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[14] Electrical4u. electrical4u.com. [Online] 2011.
VI. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK http://www.electrical4u.com/differential-relay/.
The paper has proposed a system which is very cost
effective and replaced the error prone that would occur by
manual transformer monitoring scenario.The system provides a
cloud-based storage and is available through a web application
where the data is accessible remotely, as well as self-control
system in transformer loads. There are visual and auditory alert
mechanism to notify substation status. Furthermore, the system
provides a pathway to undertake necessary measures in case of
emergency for the transformers. The proposed system
significantly saves cost as well as improving reliability.

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