Technical Strategy to Curb Transformer Oil Theft on Distribution Networks: Case of Uganda’s Power Distribution Network
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Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology
Abstract
The theft of transformer oil and windings is common on the electric power distribution network in Uganda, and the utility incurs high losses due to this vice. This paper presents a design of the proposed system that can be used to reduce on distribution transformer vandalism (aiming at stealing transformer oil). The stolen oil is used to cool and repair welding machines. The parameter of interest to be monitored by the proposed system is the transformer oil level which changes as the oil is drilled from the transformer. The system makes use of a float switch which is open when the level is normal and makes contact when the level falls due to abnormal leakage. This sends a voltage to the voltage regulator circuit which then supplies the alarm system (buzzer and light emitting diode) to scare off the vandals as well as provide an input signal to the microcontroller to condition an input to the GSM Modem. The GSM Modem then sends a text message to the technical officer to take action. This action involves opening the high voltage (HV) feeder remotely to avoid instances of supplying power to the transformer when the oil has been drained. The modeling and experimentation results are presented.
Description
Keywords
Distribution Transformer; Float Switch; GSM Modem; Microcontroller; Vandalism; Voltage Regulator
Citation
Kabanda, P., & Ttondo, S. S. Technical Strategy to Curb Transformer Oil Theft on Distribution Networks: Case of Uganda’s Power Distribution Network.