A Microcontroller-based Transformer Monitoring System for Physical Protection: A case for Zimbabwe

The power transformer is one of the most important links in a power system and is a highly reliable piece of equipment. This study focused on developing a transformer monitoring system for physical protection that incorporated a microcontroller, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and sensor technology. Vandalism is a criminal phenomenon which is not only restricted and peculiar to Zimbabwe but is experienced in other regions of the world. The objective of the research was to discover a new method of protecting a transformer from theft or vandalism by looking at Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company, a power utility in Zimbabwe. A number of stimulants have been seen to be triggering and sustaining theft and vandalism of transformers which targets copper conductors, copper windings, oils and poles in the majority of cases. The research adopted the mixed method approach due to its technical advantage of converging and merging qualitative and quantitative data in order to provide comprehensive results and produce new knowledge claims. This methodological framework was guided by the structural materialism theory which is derived from the critical criminology perspective. The research found out that transformer vandalism is representative of a broader dysfunctional socio-economic system of a country. Consequently, the levels of transformer vandalism have spiralled to unprecedented levels. The research concludes that no significant effort has been made in the research of new methods of transformer monitoring for physical protection and that the government is failing to sufficiently address the macro-economic fundamentals as a way of discouraging citizens from engaging in crime. In view of these conclusions the research recommended that a microcontroller-based transformer monitoring system for physical protection which addresses the need for Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) to fight theft or vandalism of transformers be adopted. The research further recommends that all stakeholders should contribute to digitalize the physical protection and monitoring of transformers. The government of Zimbabwe should promulgate appropriate pieces of legislation