IoT-based Three-Phase Supply Monitoring System

Abstract

The reliable operation of electrical power systems has become increasingly important in modern industrial, commercial, and residential environments where an uninterrupted electricity supply is essential. Among different electrical distribution methods, three-phase systems are widely preferred because they provide balanced power delivery, improved efficiency, and better performance while operating heavy electrical loads. However, these systems are vulnerable to several electrical faults such as overload conditions, phase failure, voltage imbalance, and short circuits. Such faults may damage electrical equipment, interrupt industrial operations, reduce system efficiency, and create unsafe working conditions. Because of these challenges, there is a growing need for intelligent systems capable of monitoring electrical parameters continuously and identifying faults in real-time. This study presents the design and implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based three-phase supply monitoring and fault detection system using the ESP32 microcontroller. The developed system continuously measures current values in all three phases with the help of Hall-effect current sensors. The sensed electrical data are processed by the ESP32 controller to identify abnormal operating conditions such as phase imbalance, overcurrent, and phase failure. The ESP32 microcontroller was selected because of its compact design, low cost, integrated Wi-Fi capability, and efficient processing performance, which make it suitable for IoT-enabled monitoring applications. Whenever the system detects a fault condition, relay modules are activated to disconnect the affected supply and protect connected electrical equipment from further damage. At the same time, fault notifications are transmitted through email alerts and IoT communication platforms, allowing users and maintenance personnel to receive instant updates regarding the system condition. Cloud-based monitoring support also enables remote access to system information and historical data records. The proposed system additionally incorporates a GPS module to determine the geographical location of the fault. This feature is particularly useful in remote installations and distributed electrical systems where locating faults manually requires considerable effort and time. By integrating IoT communication with GPS tracking, the system provides an effective solution for both fault monitoring and fault localization. An approximate fault distance estimation method is also included in the system using basic electrical principles. By applying Ohm’s law and considering known line resistance values, the system estimates the approximate distance of the fault from the source. Although the method does not provide highly accurate measurements, it offers a practical and economical approach for identifying the possible fault region without requiring expensive equipment. The developed system is economical, scalable, and relatively simple to implement, making it suitable for small- and medium-scale monitoring applications such as industrial units, commercial infrastructures, educational laboratories, and smart grids. Experimental testing confirmed that the system can reliably detect different fault conditions and generate timely alerts. The integration of IoT technology improves real-time monitoring capability and overall system visibility, while the automatic isolation mechanism improves operational safety and equipment protection. Overall, the proposed system provides a practical and intelligent solution for improving the monitoring and management of three-phase electrical power systems.