IoT Based Transformer Health Monitoring System

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of an IoT-based transformer health monitoring system built around a PIC16F877A microcontroller. The system continuously measures a transformer's voltage, current, frequency, winding temperature and oil level using a potentiometer-based voltage and current sensing arrangement, an optocoupler-based frequency measuring unit, an LM35 temperature sensor and an ultrasonic sensor, and displays the readings on an LCD module. When a monitored parameter moves outside its preset safe range, the microcontroller sounds a buzzer and switches a relay to trip the circuit breaker, isolating the transformer before the fault can cause further damage. An ESP8266 Wi-Fi module pushes the same readings to the Thing Speak IoT platform and a mobile app, so operating personnel can view live parameters and receive abnormal-condition alerts remotely rather than only at the local panel. The design uses low-cost, readily available components throughout, which keeps the system affordable to deploy at distribution transformers and substations where continuous human monitoring is impractical.