Automatic fault detection and location in power transmission lines using GSM technology.

Abstract

Many electricity transmission companies across the world and Ghana in particular are continuously looking for ways to utilise modern technologies, in order to improve reliability of power supply to consumers. These transmission companies manly relies on circuit indicators (FCIs) to assist in locating specific spots within their transmission lines where power fault had occured. In this paper, a smart GSM based fault detection and location system was used to adequatly and accurately indicate and locate the exact spot where fault had occured. This will ensure a shorter response time for technical crew to rectify these faults and thus help save transformers from damage and disasters. The system uses a current transformer, a voltage transformer, PIC 16F877 Microcontroller, RS-232 connector, and a GSM modem. The system automatically detects faults, analyses and classifies these faults and then, calculates the fault distance from the control room using an impedance-based algorithm method. Finally the fault information is transmitted to the control room. In conclusion, the time required to locate a fault is drastically reduced, as the system automatically and accurately provides accurate fault location information.