An Efficient LoRa-Enabled Smart Fault Detection and Monitoring Platform for the Power Distribution System Using Self-Powered IoT Devices

Transient stability and supply disturbances are common yet unwelcome phenomena in power distribution systems, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The growing demand for greater reliability and dependability in power delivery has aroused the interest of researchers and renewed the pursuit of advanced technological solutions for fault detection and location determination at medium and low-voltage levels. The length of the distribution network typically ranges from hundreds to thousands of kilometers. In this regard, the management of distribution networks, including the identification of faulty segments, is a significant recurrent challenge facing power-system operators. With the ever-expanding distribution network and regulatory demands for service reliability, the challenge for network operators is daunting. However, the deployment of IoT technologies in the energy distribution infrastructure would significantly accelerate the detection and location of faults, thus transforming the electricity delivery service into one that is responsive, communicative, attractive, and robust. This study proposes, designs, and implements a reasonably priced LoRaWAN-based IoT platform for monitoring distribution networks. The study was conducted in Nakuru County, Kenya on an actual and active distribution network owned and managed by Kenya Power Company. Experimental results showed that a trigger is generated at the network-monitoring center in about 100 ms of the occurrence of a fault on the distribution network, thus enabling quick, prompt, and immediate commencement of reparative action. Furthermore, practical evaluation has shown that this platform is well adapted for the context of developing countries where budgetary constraints and cost prohibitions hinder the upgrade of the legacy grid into fully-fledged smart entities.