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MONITORING AND FAULT DETECTION SYSTEM FOR POWER TRANSMISSION

USING GSM TECHNOLOGY

Conference Paper · July 2017

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Kennedy Okokpujie Amuta Elizabeth

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Int'l Conf. Wireless Networks | ICWN'17 | 93

MONITORING AND FAULT DETECTION SYSTEM FOR

POWER TRANSMISSION USING GSM TECHNOLOGY
Okokpujie Kennedy1, Amuta Elizabeth 2, Okonigene Robert3, Samuel John4
1,2,4
Department of Electrical and Information Engineering Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
3
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekopma, Nigeria

Micro-controller sends a signal for the relay to trip off the

Abstract - The efficiency of power systems is largely
system, else the system remains connected.
determined by the effectiveness of the inbuilt power
Whenever the set short circuit limit is breached, the system
equipment. Monitoring transmission parameters for faults and
sends a fault detection SMS alert to the utility mobile phone a
quick isolation of the system from faults helps to improve the
bi-directional communication was also achieved as the system
efficiency of the power systems reliability. Current
can also receive command from the utility phone to set a short
conventional method has its own limitations due to the
circuit limit [4]. With this system, an almost real time
reliance on technical team to carrying out visual inspection in
monitoring system is actualized However the power sector,
order to identify any fault. Technologies such as Power line
right from generation to distribution of power is subjected to
carrier communication and the use of internet based
severe power losses [5]. it is quite paramount to ensure
communication systems have their respective demerits. In this
equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, relays,
paper the scholars presents the study of the use of GSM
panels etc. When power transmissions are been disturbed by
technology, to provide a reliable monitoring and fault
fault, unless it is critical they tend to be overlooked. These
detection system. Appropriate designed specific sensors were
faults, no matter how minor can lead to damage of the power
used to monitor the changes in transmission parameters such
system equipment and be a threat to human life. To overcome
as voltage, current, temperature and frequency. Whenever
these, a GSM based monitoring and fault detection system is
fault occurred the data acquired were transmitted to the utility
proposed to help monitor power transmission parameters. By
mobile phone as SMS via the GSM wireless network. The
incorporating fault detection also, the system can be isolated
system hardware was modeled using Proteus simulation tool
from the slightest fault occurrence promptly. Thus cost of
while Mikro-C was used for the software. With this system,
maintenance is adequately contained to an extent. Power
power transmission fault can be detected and isolated at the
transformer which is regarded as the core of any electrical
shortest possible time.
transmission and distribution system are used for stepping up
voltage at the output of the generator [6].
Keywords: Power transmission, PIC Microcontroller, GSM
technology, Sensors, Efficiency, Transmission parameters.
2 Review of transmission power.
The transmission system plays significant roles in the supplying of
1 Introduction power to the consumers uninterruptedly. Monitoring of these systems
is very essential if supplying of healthy power to the consumers is to
Electrical equipment is prone to disturbances which are fault
be achieved.
imposed on the system such as overloading and short circuit Incorporated in the transmission system is the protective system
[1]. This in turn causes damage to the power equipment in the which helps in detecting the abnormal or fault signals. The
power system and also at the consumer’s end. The impact can protective relays in the protective system then isolate the
bring about a short or long-term loss of the electric power in faulted part from the entire system, ensuring minimal
an area. Prompt attention to power transmission faults is very equipment damage and disturbance. Fault analysis is an
vital in power systems, avoiding harm and instability to the essential concern in power system engineering in order to
system. To overcome these challenges, a power transmission isolate faults quickly and ensure power supply is restored at
monitoring and fault detection system using GSM technology the shortest possible time [7]. Power demand has resulted in
is proposed. There are several existing systems that can be higher line current loads, still bearing in mind that operators
deployed but however they all have their respective limitations are limited by the system and line capacity [8]. Overloading
for electrical applications [2]. This is why GSM technology is the system will lead to overheating of the system insulation
chosen to deliver a cost effective, rigid and robust which ultimately result into the system failure [9].
communication as it enhances speed of communication Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). aids the improvement
irrespective of distance [3]. in power quality, ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of
Breach in pre-set short circuit limit is monitored by comparing power to loads.
the current sensed with the pre-set limit .If the current sensed
is more than the pre-set current short circuit limit, the PIC

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94 Int'l Conf. Wireless Networks | ICWN'17 |

2.1 Short circuit fault parameters to monitor in this research, with the overall
objective of improving the reliability of the power system as a
Basically, faults can exist in four forms: they include line-to- whole. With a cloud-based remote management solution, user
line fault, double line-to-ground fault, single line-to-ground can have immediate access to generator parameters via a
fault and three phase fault. Different magnitude of fault regular web browser. Temperature sensors is used to sense the
current can result from each of these types of faults. Short temperature of the room and a message is sent to the master
circuits damage can be prevented by employing the use of mobile whenever the temperature rises beyond the threshold
circuit breakers, relays, or other protection as they help to parameter using the GSM modem [21-22].
disconnect the power in response to high current [10].
3 Methodology
2.2 GSM technology
The system, shown in Figure 1, is used to detect fault and send
a SMS alert using the GSM network once the fault is detected.
GSM stands for Global System for Mobile communications.
The PIC microcontroller which serves as the heart of the entire
Developed in 1990, it has become the most popular standard
system enables access to real time state of the system. It
for mobile phones in the world. The implementation
receives the perceived parameter during power transmission,
environment determines the coverage area of each cell. The
detect breach in short circuit limit set by comparing the
boundaries of cells can overlap between adjacent cells (large
current sensed with the pre-set limit. If the current sensed is
cells can be converted into smaller cells) [11]. The technology
more than the pre-set current short circuit limit, the PIC
uses a blend of frequency division multiplexing (FDM) and
microcontroller sends a signal for the relay to trip off the
time division multiplexing (TDM). Different users at different
system, else the system remains connected. When the relay
time slot use different frequency, hence when user is ON, uses
trips of the system, an SMS alert is sent to the utility mobile
channel 900MHz for three seconds, then hop to channel
phone via the GSM network.
910MHz for the next three seconds and so on. Frequency
The GSM module and liquid crystal display (LCD) module
Hoping is the term giving to such process. Amongst the
are also connected to the PIC microcontroller. The LCD
various frequency of the GSM, 900MHz is the operational
module displays the parameters being monitored in the system,
frequency. It has the ability to re-use frequencies in order to
they include; the temperature, frequency of the supply,
increase capacity and at the same time coverage [12-13].
voltage, current the power consumed by the load in the
system.
2.3 Short message service (SMS)

Short Message Service is a common economically affordable

service used for receiving and sending messages in text. It
uses the GSM network to transfer information. This method of
transmitting data is quite popular due to convenience and low
cost factor. A single text message can consist up to 160
characters. SMS mobile originated is a term used when a
message is sent by a mobile, however when a message is
received by a mobile it is termed SMS mobile terminated.
Remote data communication and monitoring is supported by
SMS due to it bi-directional data transfer and it stable
performance. Amit sachen et al have discussed the user can
read remote electrical parameters by sending a command in
form of SMS messages [14]. Based on the setting, real time
electrical parameter can be automatically sent in form of SMS
periodically. Rectification of faults during occurrence of any Figure 1. Block diagram of the fault detection system
abnormality in power lines and using SMS through GSM
The 5V regulated DC power supply, shown in Figure 2, was
network to inform personnel of this action is also made
used to power the system components.
available. Andriy Palamar et al proposed the system, a
Cellular phone which as a Subscriber’s Identifying Module
(SIM) card with a specific number through which
communication is made [15]. The medium of communication
is wireless that works on the Global System for Mobile
communication technology (GSM). Using cooperative
relaying strategies [16-20] these gains are also possible for Figure 2. Block diagram of a regulated dc power supply
single-antenna nodes. The scholars considered the necessary system

ISBN: 1-60132-462-6, CSREA Press ©

Int'l Conf. Wireless Networks | ICWN'17 | 95

Figure 3 is the complete system circuit diagram and Figure 4 sudden interruption in the flow of current through the relay
is the flow chat. coil as a result of the switch opening. The coil will respond by
producing a sudden, large voltage across its leads, causing a
large surge of current through it.

START

INITIALIZE THE SENSOR

(VOLTAGE, CURRENT,
FREQUENCY AND
TEMPERATURE)

ACQUIRE ELECTRICAL
PARAMETERS (ANALOG
SIGNAL)

Figure 3. Complete system circuit

RELAY
SEND ANALOG SIGNAL TRIPS
TO MICROCONTROLLER
ADC PORTS
OFF
3.1 The communication system
ADC COUPLED MICRO
The GSM modem is a wireless modem that works with a GSM TO MICRO- CONTROLLER
SENDS A SIGNAL
wireless network. Unlike the dial-up modem, the GSM modem CONTOLLER TO INITIALIZE
THE RELAY
sends and receives data through waves. It requires a SIM card
from a wireless network carrier to function. Whenever the set
threshold is bridged, the system sends an instant message to
the utility mobile phone, stating the existing fault and the ANALYSES DIGITAL
location using the GSM modem. DISPLAY
SIGNAL AND CHECKS FOR
FAULT OCCURRENCE
PARAMETERS MICRO
ON THE CONTROL
3.2 Operation of the GSM UTILITY
INTERFACE
LER SEND
AT
(LCD) COMMAN
GSM Modems are controlled by the microcontroller using the BREACH D TO
AT commands. However the GSM modem supports a fixed IN INITIALIZ
E THE
and extended set of AT commands. Defined in the GSM GSM
MODEM
standards are these extended set of AT commands which
enables the following functions;
- Send SMS messages.
- Reading, writing and searching phone INITIALIZ
E GSM
contacts. MODEM

- Monitor signal strength.

- Read, write and delete SMS messages
3.3 The switching device relay
SEND SMS
The relay acts as an electrical disconnection to isolate the ALERT TO
MOBILE
entire system on the occurrence of fault. It shut down or de- PHONE
energizes other electrical equipment in the system, which will
then allow work to be carried out further down the line. As an
electrical device for automatic control, it is actuated by
variation in the conditions of the electrical circuit.

3.3.1 Operation of the relay STOP

The rated coil voltage of the relay used is 5V DC. This voltage
is required for the relay to perform the function of opening or
closing it switch. This 5V DC is fed to the relay coil terminals.
The magnetic field within the coil collapse whenever there is a Figure 4. Flow chat

ISBN: 1-60132-462-6, CSREA Press ©

96 Int'l Conf. Wireless Networks | ICWN'17 |

3.4 The sensing unit Table 2 shows the output and input voltage readings of
each unit.
The sensing unit consists of the voltage sensing, the current
sensing, the frequency sensing and the temperature sensing, as
it helps to acquire electrical parameter and make the
respective signals available for the PIC to process.
4 Results and observations
The short circuit limit configuration was tested. A current limit
of 50A was configured using a mobile phone. The current
value set was sent to the SIM in the GSM module with the “#”
symbol before the digits i.e. #50, as this is what the
microcontroller recognizes (imputed in the code). This was
executed by powering up the system and connecting a load
with current rating exceeding the pre-set limit of 700W. For
the purpose of testing, an electric iron device was used, as it
had a befitting current rating of 1000W.
The system tripped off after the short circuit fault was imposed
on the system. Hence confirming the test for fault detection
and switching system (relay) functionalities.

4.1 Unit testing

The values of the output voltage of each power unit were
observed and noted. These values were compared with
theoretical values as shown in Table 1. Figure 5 is the
graphical representation of Table 1.
Table 2 shows the values of the voltage from the sensing units
and Figure 6 is its graphical representation.
TABLE 1: showing discrete voltage readings of the power unit.

Figure 6 : Graphical representation of Table2.

5 Conclusion
A fault detection system enabled by the use of the GSM
wireless network for communication was achieved.
The fundamental objectives of this research work were
achieved as the system designed was able to detect
transmission fault. The occurrences of faults were displayed
and the message was sent through the GSM network over to
the utility mobile phone. A bi-directional communication was
established as the system was able to receive command from
the utility phone to set a short circuit limit.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The scholars are grateful to Covenant University for the

financial support and encouragement in this research work.

6 References
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Figure 5: Graphical representation of Table 2 Analysis of Faults In Transmission And Distribution Lines
Using GSM Technique”, November 2011.

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Int'l Conf. Wireless Networks | ICWN'17 | 97

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