Design and fabrication of underground fault distance locator using arduino and GSM

Abstract

This paper introduces an underground fault location model of cable using Arduino and GSM (Global system for mobile communication) module, used for remote indication to diminish power outages and heavy loss of profit by sending SMS to main control room so the field engineer can resolve the issue of an exact fault location. In underground system, occurrence of fault is rare and is difficult to locate the exact position of fault to overcome this problem, we came up with the idea presented in paper. The main aim is to diagnose the open circuit and three phase short circuit faults distance from base-station in kilometers. This prototype is congregated with a set of resistors showing length of cable in kilometers and a set of switches are used to create fault at every known kilometer to determine the exactness and results regarding fault readings, is displayed on a LCD connected with the Arduino UNO board. Further NI Multisim software is used to simulate the fault. This project is beneficial in reducing the cost, production losses by saving the time and efforts for sectionalization of faults and improving the power availability to consumers through an enhancement of overall efficiency of power nets.