An Efficient LoRa-Enabled Smart Fault Detection and Monitoring Platform for the Power Distribution System Using Self-Powered IoT Devices

Transient stability and supply disturbances are common yet unwelcome phenomena in power distribution systems, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. The growing demand for greater reliability dependability delivery has aroused the interest of researchers renewed pursuit advanced technological solutions fault detection location determination at medium low-voltage levels. length network typically ranges from hundreds to thousands kilometers. In this regard, management networks, including identification faulty segments, is a significant recurrent challenge facing power-system operators. With ever-expanding regulatory demands service reliability, operators daunting. However, deployment IoT technologies energy infrastructure would significantly accelerate faults, thus transforming electricity into one that responsive, communicative, attractive, robust. This study proposes, designs, implements reasonably priced LoRaWAN-based platform monitoring networks. was conducted Nakuru County, Kenya on an actual active owned managed by Power Company. Experimental results showed trigger generated network-monitoring center about 100 msec occurrence network, enabling quick, prompt, immediate commencement reparative action. Furthermore, practical evaluation shown well adapted context developing countries where budgetary constraints cost prohibitions hinder upgrade legacy grid fully-fledged smart entities.