Design and implementation of a transformer monitoring system for Batelec II

Abstract

The Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BATELEC II) owns and operates about 6,997 distribution transformers, which are being maintained yearly per area by checking their operating voltage and current. During periodic maintenance, the utility company checks the transformers for any damage or a capacity upgrade based on the load growth in that particular area. The company finds it difficult to measure peak load in a particular area since it requires personnel to monitor and measure power during peak hours (7pm to 9pm): moreover, limited equipment such as the load logger, which costs millions of pesos is also a concern. With this, the utility company resorts to transformer oversizing to prevent such overloading. This study on the design and implementation of a transformer monitoring system for BATELEC II is a system that uses voltage and current sensor to measure trans-former parameters and sends those data wirelessly using Zigbee communication. Furthermore, the system accu-rately measures the data and sends the data to the server in the form of a graphical user interface that monitors the voltage, current and power as well as the status, whether normal, under voltage, overvoltage, overload or out-age. It has a database that records hourly data of the current of each transformer. The system costs around 10,000 pesos per unit and could further be lower on mass production.