--------------------- 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Project on
“Transformer Monitoring and
Protection System Using Arduino”
Shri Shankaracharya Technical Campus, Bhilai
(An Autonomous Institute Affiliated to CSVTU Bhilai)

ानादे व तु कै व म्
SESSION: 2024-25

For fulfillment of the award of degree

Bachelors of Technology
In
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
By

SIDDHANT KUMAR YADAV (301402521002)

SANJEEV KUMAR (301402521007)
CHINMAY DAS (301402521008)

Guided By
MRS. VEENITA SWARNKAR
2
3

 INTRODUCTION

 OBJECTIVES

 PROBLEM STATEMENT

 METHODOLOGY

 COMPONENTS

 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

 WORKING PRINCIPLE

 ADVANTAGES

 CONCLUSION
 INTRODUCTION
4

The majority of power generation systems must be able to transport

electricity from the power plant to the user's location as efficiently and
dependably as feasible since most power generation systems are located
far from the user's location. Delivering power through high-voltage
power lines is the best approach, according to past studies. As a
consequence, the transformer will increase the voltage of the power
flowing from the power plant to a higher level before transferring it,
such as 132 kV, 161 kV, or 400 kV. The electricity will be lowered to the
rated low voltage once it reaches its destination for distribution to
customers [1]. This shows that the transfer of power involves
transformers significantly. When own generators are not accessible,
transformers are essential step-up and step-down devices in power
transmission lines in facility infrastructure companies, industries,
hospitals, and municipalities. These transformer users commonly
struggle with temperature regulation of the transformers, real-time
operational data receipt, remote transformer monitoring, data collecting
and analysis, and reducing the costs of manual maintenance. A
transformer is a device that has static components. Its main function is
to move electric energy from one circuit to another without any direct
electrical connections. The power supply system commonly includes
circuit breakers, fuses, and electromechanical relays to secure the power
system, however it turns out that these devices are unstable. The bulk of
currently performed commercial activities use manual monitoring of the
performance of transformers, notably manual and routine on-site
inspection of transformer stations for maintenance. Transformers can be
used to either increase or decrease voltage, which is referred to as
stepping up or down the voltage, respectively. In a transformer, a metal
core is encircled by two wire coils, each with hundreds or thousands of
turns. Both the incoming and departing electricity are handled by
separate coils. An alternating magnetic field is created in the core by
alternating current in the incoming coil, and this creates alternating
current in the exiting coil.
 OBJECTIVES

 To monitor transformer real time input and output

voltage, current and temperature.

 To give protection for transformer during fault

 To make an automatic temperature control system for

transformer.
 PROBLEM STATEMENT

A through fault may cause the windings to migrate

closer together and may result in a flash-over, which
may result in a catastrophic failure of the transformer if
the insulation system of the transformer is badly
compromised.

Transformer failures can occur due to various causes.

 Dielectric Breakdown

 Winding distortion caused by short circuit withstand

 Excessive winding and core hot spot

 Electrical disturbances such as a through fault

 Deterioration of insulation’s dielectric integrity


 Lightning

 Overload

 Inadequate Maintenance such as loose connections,

insulating fluid leaks, cooling system failure

 Failure of accessories such as OLTCs

 Bushings
 METHODOLOGY

1. Identify the Problem

Transformers can be damaged by overvoltage, overcurrent, or
overheating.

2. Select Components
Arduino UNO (Controller)
PT for voltage sensing
CT for current sensing
LM35 for temperature sensing
Relay, buzzer, fan, and LCD

3. Design the Circuit

Connect sensors to Arduino
Set output devices (relay, buzzer, fan) to digital pins
Connect LCD to display readings

4. Write the Arduino Code

Read sensor data (voltage, current, temperature)
Compare with safe limits
Trigger relay/fan/buzzer if needed

5. Test the System

Simulate high current, voltage, or temperature
Check if system reacts correctly (trips load, sounds buzzer, turns
on fan)

6. Display Output
Show real-time values on LCD
Ensure clear and accurate readings

7. Finalize and Install

Assemble the circuit neatly
Install on or near the transformer for live use
 COMPONENTS
8

 Arduino Uno

 Current Measuring Unit

 Relay

 LCD Display

 Resistor

 Transformer

 Diode

 Capacitor
 ARDUINO UNO

The Arduino electronics platform's hardware and

software are user-friendly. Examples of inputs that
Arduino boards can read and translate into outputs
include a finger on a button or a light weight on a
detector. There are several types of Arduino, including:
Arduino UNO, Arduino MICRO, Arduino
LEONARDO, Arduino NANO, Arduino ESPLORA,
Arduino MINI. In this project we used Arduino UNO.
The ATmega328 microcontroller could work with the
Arduino Uno board. A 16 MHz ceramic resonator, an
ICSP header, a USB port, six analog inputs, a power
connector, and a reset button are all included on the
device. Additionally, it features 14 digital input/output
pins, 12 of which are often utilized as PWM outputs.
This covers any desirable validation that a
microcontroller would need. To get started, all they
require is a USB connection to connect to a computer.
The Arduino Uno Board, which is unique from all other
boards, will not use the FTDI USB-to-serial driver that
is given to them.
 CURRENT MEASURING UNIT

10

We have employed a method to monitor

current flowing via a transmission line in
this project. We connected a transmission
line in series with a ceramic resistor with a
very low resistance and high power.
Because of its low resistance, it won't allow
extremely high voltage to cross it,
consuming very little power. Using an
Arduino, we measure the voltage drop
across it while current flows through it. The
voltage drop is then divided by the
resistance. Through the transmission line, it
provides the most recent value. However, a
CT is really employed to measure current.
 RESISTOR

11

A resistor is a passive electrical part with two ends that

adds electrical resistance to circuits. Electronic circuits
use resistors for a number of functions, such as
transmission line termination, signal level adjustment,
voltage division, biasing active components, and
reducing current flow. As a motor control component
or a test charge for generators, which can lose the bulk
of their power as heat, high energy resistors can be
utilized.
 RELAY
12

It is a LOW Level 12V single-channel relay control

panel, and the channel requires 15 20mA to run the
circuit. Can be used to monitor various high-current
appliances and machines. On the AC 250V 10A,
high-current relays are placed. It has a typical
characteristic that a microcontroller may use
directly
 TRANSFORMER
13

A transformer functions using a simple idea. According to the

electromagnetic induction hypothesis, an electromotive force
will move through a loop as a result of the fluctuating
magnetic flux. Such a fluctuating magnetic field may be
easily produced with a coil and alternating EMF system. A
conductor carrying electricity generates a magnetic field all
around it using a coil. The magnetic field of the coil will alter
over time as well. in the secondary winding, with the
assistance of a ferromagnetic core. This fluctuating magnetic
field will result in an EMF in the secondary coils due to
electromagnetic induction. Every turn, the EMF in the main
and secondary coils will be the same. The primary coil's EMF
varies with each turn depending on the supplied input
voltage. This only suggests that by doing fewer spins in the
secondary than in the primary, the voltage may be reduced.
The revere case's voltage can be increased.

Three of these single-phase transformers are utilized in three-

phase transformers, but with a slightly altered coil
configuration. The secondary and primary coils are situated
close to one another. Two more of these windings are used in
a three-phase transformer
 LCD DISPLAY
14

Everywhere we walk, LED screens cross our minds. Time

displays are used in computers, calculators, TVs,
smartphones, and digital watches, among other devices. An
LCD is a form of electronic display that produces a visible
image using fluid crystal. The 162 LCD display is a widely
used part in DIY projects and circuits, and it is a pretty
simple gadget. The sixteen to two is converted into sixteen
characters per line in two of these lines. A grid of 5 pixels
is used to show each character on this LCD.
 CAPACITOR
15

 CA capacitor is a device that stores the strange

energy waveforms that passive electrical
components emit. A dielectric substance separates
the condenser from the two conducting boards.
Where the dielectric constant splits the
compounds, the plates whose extents precisely
match the surface and totally disproportionally
match the plates whose plaques. The capacitor
may be used in this project to eliminate pulses.
Pure DC was created by converting pulse-setting
DC.
 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
16
 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
17
 WORKING PRINCIPLE

18

The system continuously monitors key transformer

parameters—voltage, current, and temperature—using
appropriate sensors:

•Voltage: Measured via a Potential Transformer (PT)

connected to the transformer's output.
•Current: Assessed using a Current Transformer (CT) or
shunt resistor to detect overcurrent conditions.
•Temperature: Monitored through an LM35 sensor attached
to the transformer.

An Arduino UNO processes these sensor inputs. If any

parameter exceeds predefined thresholds (e.g., voltage
beyond safe limits, current overload, or temperature rise
above 60°C), the system initiates protective actions:

•Relay Activation: Disconnects the transformer load to

prevent damage.
•Buzzer Alert: Sounds an alarm to notify of the fault
condition.
•Cooling Fan: Engages if high temperature is detected to aid
in cooling.
Simultaneously, a 16x2 LCD display provides real-time
readings of all parameters, ensuring continuous visibility
into transformer health.
 CONCLUSION
19

This project provides a low-cost, real-time monitoring

and protection solution for transformers using simple
sensors and an Arduino microcontroller. By continuously
tracking voltage, current, and temperature, the system:
• Prevents transformer damage caused by overloads,
overvoltage, and overheating.

• Automatically isolates the transformer during fault

conditions using a relay.

• Enhances operational safety through real-time alerts

(buzzer and fan).

• Reduces maintenance effort and downtime, improving

system reliability.

Overall, this system improves the longevity, safety,

and efficiency of transformers in power distribution
networks, making it ideal for both educational and
industrial applications.