IoT-based Fault Detection in 3-Phase Poleline Networks using Wi-Fi and Flutter Application

The electric distribution system of a country assists in its growth only if the system is reliable, which is even more critical in rural and semi-urban regions where the infrastructure is exposed to wear and tear. This paper presents a real-time IoT-based fault monitoring system for three-phase poleline structures using an ESP32 microcontroller and a multi-sensor architecture. Specialised sensors in the system continuously monitor mechanical and electrical parameters like voltage, current, vibration, and temperature. Any detected onboard faults which include phase imbalance, insulation failure, and line-to-ground or line-to-line faults, are transmitted wirelessly through MQTT and HTTP to a Flutter mobile app. The mobile app allows users to make quick decisions using real-time fault notifications, GPS, fault visualization, historical logs, and advanced planning tools for maintenance. The proposed model differs from traditional SCADA systems in that it is modular, inexpensive, and scalable which is ideal for geographically distributed, non-centralized grid infrastructures. Simulated environment testing of the sensor showed over 98% accuracy, sub 60ms response time, and effective fault isolation with relays. The incorporation of vibration and temperature sensors simplify the detection of issues which other methods fail to identify. Moreover, the system enhances grid resilience, while minimizing operational activity and maintenance expense. Future enhancements include AI-assisted fault forecasting, cloud data analytics, and support for future smart grid ecosystems.