Transmission Line Fault Detection

Abstract

At present, transmission line protection is a major concern in power transmission systems, as nearly (85–87) percent of power system disturbances occur in transmission lines. Identifying the source of faults is a complex task; however, fast fault detection can help protect equipment from severe damage. Accurate fault location enables service personnel to quickly remove permanent faults and identify the areas where faults occur frequently, thereby reducing fault occurrence and minimizing the duration of power outages. In this research paper, an Arduino board has been used to detect the fault location in transmission lines, and the information is transmitted to the control center through an Arduino Nano device. The signal is further sent to a protective circuit to safeguard against overcurrent conditions, and then processed by the Arduino Nano (microcontroller). A current sensor is connected to the Arduino, so that in case of a short circuit, the current through the series resistors changes. This variation is related to the resistance, which in turn depends on distance and load. When the resistance drops below a defined threshold value, the relay connected to the Arduino turns OFF the load, thereby preventing major damage. An LCD display will show the status of the transmission line, including the voltage and current values. Additionally, a buzzer will sound when a fault is detected. Furthermore, SMS alerts will be sent to a specified number via a GSM modem. Keywords: Arduino Nano, Microcontroller, LCD, SMS