Real-time Alert System for Auxiliary Transformer Failures

Auxiliary transformers are used extensively in railway systems. Indian Railways use them primarily to convert the 25-kilo volt AC supply into 230-240-volt AC supply as required for various applications. Due to their varied use, many of these auxiliary transformers are often positioned in remote locations. In case of failure of AT supply, no proper feedback system exists as of now. Due to this the lead time on failure attention increases rapidly depending on the location of the transformer. Sometimes this may result in signal failure leading to an increase in train traffic. To cut down on human effort and cost involved, as well as provide a system that continuously monitors these auxiliary transformers, an automated system based on GSM technology is suggested. This system periodically provides updates and generates immediate alerts in case of the occurrence of the failure of an auxiliary transformer, hence bringing a drastic reduction on lead time for failure attention where a failure escalates into costly service losses.