13-09-2017, 01:56 PM
The main utility in Uganda owns and operates more than 8,000 Distribution Transformers (DT) and loses more than 700 DT annually for several reasons. At present, the distribution company uses a peak load analysis scheme to determine the load conditions of the transformer and perform the load growth, which is a tedious task and does not solve the problem of the DT failure resulting from ; imbalance of load, overload, vandalism among others. In order to achieve better DT performance, a low-cost monitoring system was sought since most commercially available systems with SCADA integration potential are costly. This article presents a distribution transformer monitoring (TD) system designed and implemented with GSM functionality capable of monitoring load variations and transmitting information on the state of charge of the transformer. In addition, the system was capable of storing and analyzing the information received from the monitoring device with respect to the status of the transformer. The system was able to compare DT measurements with abnormal performance and act before failure and was built at less than $ 200. Cost can be further reduced with large scale production. The future system will be integrated with a condition control jack to ensure prediction of loss of life.