Title: Distribution transformer monitoring for smart grid using FPGA: a case study implementation in Indian conditions

Authors: Jaswinder Singh; S.K. Aggarwal; Amrinder Kaur

Addresses: Smart Grid Solutions, NexGEN Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201307, India ' Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Department, Thapar University, Patiala, Punjab, 147004, India ' Electronics Engineering Department, Rayat and Bahra Institute of Engineering and Technology, S.B.S. Nagar, Punjab, 144533, India

Abstract: In this paper, a pilot implementation of a distribution transformer monitoring system (DTMS) using field programmable gate array (FPGA) based technology has been explained in the context of smart grid developments in India. The field implementation consists of a network of sensors, energy meters and communication over wireless network. ZigBee technology has been used between end nodes and data concentrator for local area network (LAN); whereas, general packet radio services (GPRS) has been used for communication between data concentrator and utility control centre. The system is installed at a group of DTs to test its field performance. This approach effectively monitors the operating state of a network of transformers and dispatches the critical information to maintenance personal. The system has the scalability to interface the range of sensors and energy meters, and communicate over different protocols. The main advantage of the system is the significant cost savings and its reliability.

Keywords: distribution transformer; field programmable gate array; FPGA; device language message specification; DLMS; general packet radio services; GPRS; lower power radio; mesh network; monitoring unit.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSCC.2017.087129

International Journal of Systems, Control and Communications, 2017 Vol.8 No.4, pp.269 - 290

Received: 23 Mar 2016
Accepted: 18 Jan 2017
Published online: 06 Oct 2017 *

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