Optimizing Power Grid Operations with IoT-Based Distribution Transformer Monitoring System

The paper discusses the development of a control and monitoring system for distribution transformers using IoT-based solutions. The Indian power grid is one of the largest in the world and is rapidly expanding, creating a complex mesh network. The existing SCADA system provides data to the system operator for steady-state operation, but there is a need for real-time data at the distribution level. Distribution transformers are the heart of the electrical grid, and monitoring them is crucial to prevent power outages. The proposed system uses IoT and embedded systems to monitor electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and power, and sends telemetry data to a gateway that accumulates data from other nodes and relays it to the substation. The system also includes a local dashboard for each substation and an upper layer central dashboard that collectively displays data from all substations. The system follows a three-layer architecture, with sensing nodes attached to transformers measuring electrical parameters and transmitting data to the gateway using communication modules. The communication layer processes, stores, and connects to the application layer, where the data is displayed on dashboards and can be shared with upper levels and other legacy systems using APIs with real time monitoring using MQTT and Node-RED.