Operation and Fault Monitoring of Electric Generator using IOT

Abstract

The reliable and quality power supply is vital for power system operation. Its importance become significant when dealing with sensitive load areas like hospitals, banks, airports, radar system, military offices and data centers. Their proper operation depends on uninterrupted and reliable power supply. In this regard, there is an emergent need to provide generator backup capacity in the events of power failure or blackout. These Generators can only be effective if they are maintained and operated properly. Problems like the remote monitoring of fuel tank, total load and the battery voltage of the generator are of main concern for better operation. To prevent these problems, the advance IOT based monitoring system is designed using an Arduino controller board. This system uses the fuel gauge for sensing the fuel level and a current transformer measures the load on generator, giving real time analogue data to the controller. The data is converted into digital through an ADC convertor and the instructions are programmed for every parameter in an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). This data can also be monitored on an android app or on laptop using esp8266 WIFI module as an interface between controller and clouds. A hardware based prototype is developed and installed on real generator. Results show real time remote monitoring of generator ensuring its reliable operation and timely indication of need of maintenance.