Banca de DEFESA: ENIR DIAS NETO

Design of a Monitoring and Actuation Device for Low Voltage Protection Systems

Arduino, Microcontroller, Monitoring, Electrical Protection, Relays

With the advancement of micro generation technologies and the increasing number of users of these systems, the low voltage distribution network needs to be increasingly robust to withstand the future problems generated by these new challenges. Low voltage electrical protection systems are generally limited to overcurrent protections, where the actuator elements are mostly electromechanical devices. Although they have been appropriate for a long time, the insertion of nonlinear devices into the power grid can cause some disturbances that will be sensitized by simple devices. However, in medium and high voltage systems there are complex advanced measuring devices that have a number of functions for actuation and protection. This project aims at the construction and implementation of a prototype low voltage protection system that has, in part, protective functions that are unique to higher voltage systems. The prototype will use an ATMEGA 2460 microcontroller coupled to an Arduino “MEGA” model board, along with measurement and actuation elements (TCs, TPs, Shields, Contactor). It is hoped that by implementing the project on a low voltage system, it will be able to protect it more efficiently compared to conventional systems, and also to obtain more data for monitoring. The prototype will also have the oscillography function that will allow a more complete analysis of the data obtained by the protection system. It will also have a bluetooth communication system for communication with smartphones, allowing a real time data visualization. The project aims at the least possible cost, since one of the goals is that its accessibility collaborates so that it is implemented in as many systems as possible.