Enhancing Distribution Network Reliability through IoT-Driven Alarm Systems

The reliable operation of electrical substations is essential for maintaining the stability and security of power distribution networks. This paper presents the development and implementation of an IoT-based emergency alarm management system designed for real-time monitoring and fault detection in electrical substations. The proposed system enhances traditional fault detection methods by integrating IoT technology with LTE CAT-M, enabling continuous monitoring and providing timely alerts for proactive maintenance. The architecture comprises battery-operated IoT terminals that remain in low power mode, waking only to send daily health status updates or when triggered by sensor activations from earth fault alarms, SF6 gas pressure gauges, and transformer circuit breakers.Upon detection of a fault, the system transmits data packets to an IoT platform that manages device data and offers visualization capabilities. The platform immediately sends alerts via email and SMS to the field operations team and control center, ensuring rapid response to electrical faults. This study evaluates the system’s performance through various tests, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving fault detection accuracy and reducing response times. The findings suggest that the implementation of such IoT-based systems can significantly enhance the reliability and safety of electrical substations, providing a robust solution for modern power distribution networks.