Monitoring Magnetic Flux Density of 100 KVA Transformer Operational Remotely

Transformers are important equipment in transmission and distribution networks. Its operation and control are important aspects which determine the reliability and quality of power supply. As many stepdown transformers are spread over a wide area in the present power system, it is difficult to monitor the condition of each transformer manually. Therefore, development of a Condition Monitoring System (CMS) for transformers is performed. This condition monitoring system can monitor several parameter values of a transformer in real time. This paper presents the design of a sensing system allowing measurement of magnetic flux and load parameter at the transformer. These parameters are current, voltage, temperature, magnetic flux density and total losses at any instant at a particular transformer. The sensors monitoring these parameters can be interfaced to master and slave microcontrollers working as an onboard computer at the transformer that can collect sensing data and send it to a hub monitoring the status of the transformers in power supply network to have continuous supply of power to consumers. The hub monitoring the transformer may be placed at the power distribution company and at the transformer manufacturer’s site to assess the performance of transformers statistically and take corrective action where it is necessary. The CMS is intended to be easily incorporated into the transformer configurations, requiring little modification of the existing infrastructure and easily manageable through recalibration and replacement of sensors every now and then. The system does, however, require initial installation costs, but these are offset by many advantages that include increased transformer lifespan, less operational time lost, and improved energy efficiency, with payback expected within 2-3 years.