IoT Sensor Application for Transformer Health Monitoring, Real-time Alarms, and Grid Modernization: A Case Study for Electrical Grids

The increasing complexity of modern electrical grids and the integration of renewable energy sources require asset monitoring and novel management strategies. This paper presents the design, development, and deployment of self-powered IoT-based monitoring devices for transformer health assessment within ASM Terni’s secondary substations. The devices enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance by integrating piezoelectric energy harvesting, cloud-based data visualization, and Health Index Factor computation. Initial challenges, including communication continuity and validation with existing infrastructure, were successfully resolved during deployment. Field results demonstrate the system's operational resilience, scalability, and potential for sub-metering applications. This work highlights the imminent potential of IoT in modernizing grid operations and supporting sustainability goals.