POWER SYSTEMS LABORATORY

19EEL65

Microcontroller based Overcurrent relay

Abstract
This project delineates a sophisticated current monitoring and control system
leveraging an Arduino microcontroller, engineered to augment electrical safety and
operational efficiency. The system integrates a Current Transformer (CT) sensor for precise
measurement of current flow through a conductor, with the signal conditioned via an LM358
operational amplifier to ensure accurate Analog-to-digital conversion. An Arduino Nano
orchestrates the data acquisition, processing the amplified signals and rendering real-time
current metrics on a 16x2 I2C LCD display. User interfacing is facilitated through a triad of
push buttons, allowing for the toggling of an output relay and the dynamic adjustment of a
user-defined current threshold. The relay, actuated by a digital output from the Arduino,
controls an external load, providing automated regulation based on the monitored current
parameters. The system incorporates a robust overcurrent protection algorithm, which
preemptively deactivates the relay to mitigate risks of electrical overloads and potential
hazards. This meticulously designed project offers a reliable and intuitive solution for precise
current management, suitable for applications necessitating stringent current regulation and
enhanced safety protocols.

Circuit Diagram
The circuit diagram depicts a setup for monitoring current using a CT (Current
Transformer) sensor, displaying the readings on an LCD, and controlling a relay based on
those readings. Here’s a detailed explanation of the components and their connections:

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Components
LCD Display (16x2 with I2C Interface)
Pins:
VCC: Connected to 5V power supply.
GND: Connected to the ground.
SDA: Connected to A4 on the Arduino.
SCL: Connected to A5 on the Arduino.

Arduino (Nano)
Digital Pins:
D2: Connected to the relay control.
D3, D4, D5: Connected to buttons with internal pull-up resistors.
Analog Pin:
A0: Connected to the output of the LM358 operational amplifier.
Power and Ground:
5V: Powers various components.
GND: Ground connection for the circuit.

2
Push Buttons (3 buttons)
Connected to digital pins D3, D4, and D5 on the Arduino.
Each button has a pull-up resistor to ensure a stable high logic level when not pressed.

Current Transformer (CT)

Pins:
Pin 1: Output to A0 of Arduino.
Pin 3: Connected to the CT sensor.
Other necessary connections for power and resistors for biasing.
Used to amplify the signal from the CT sensor.

Relay Module
Pins:
IN: Connected to D2 of the Arduino to control the relay.
NO (Normally Open), COM (Common), NC (Normally Closed): Used to control an external
device based on the relay state.

Components:
Diode (1N4148): Flyback diode for protection.
Transistor (BC547): Used to switch the relay.
Resistors: Biasing resistors for the transistor.

3
Operation
The circuit monitors current using a CT (Current Transformer) sensor, amplifies
the signal with an LM358 operational amplifier, and reads the signal through an Arduino. The
Arduino processes the signal and displays the current reading on a 16x2 LCD. It also allows
user interaction via three push buttons to toggle the output and adjust the current threshold.
Based on the processed readings and user inputs, the Arduino controls a relay connected to
digital pin D2, which can turn an external device on or off. Overcurrent protection is
implemented by turning off the relay if the current exceeds the user-set threshold, ensuring
safe operation.

Steps involved

1. Signal Extraction

Current Sensing:

Current Transformer (CT): Steps down high current to a lower, manageable level.

Burden Resistor: Converts the CT secondary current to a voltage.

Signal Conditioning:

Capacitors: Used in the filtering stage to remove noise (e.g., 0.1µF and 10µF capacitors).

Resistors: Used in the filtering and scaling stages.

Voltage Divider or Amplifier: Ensures the voltage is within the 0-5V range suitable for the
Arduino's ADC.

2. Computation

Analog-to-Digital Conversion:

Arduino Nano: Utilizes the built-in ADC (analog pins A0-A7).

RMS Calculation:

Arduino Nano: Handles the calculation using the microcontroller's processing power.

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3. Set IDMT/DMT

IDMT Characteristics:

Arduino Nano: Uses software to implement the IDMT characteristic curve based on the
predefined equation and constants.

DMT Characteristics:

Arduino Nano: Uses software to set a fixed trip time for currents exceeding the threshold.

4. Generate Trip Signal

Threshold Comparison:

Arduino Nano: Compares the computed RMS current value to the set threshold using internal
logic.

Trip Signal Generation:

Digital Output Pin: The Arduino Nano sets a digital output pin (e.g., pin 7) high to generate a
trip signal.

Relay Module: A relay module connected to the digital output pin to disconnect the circuit
(e.g., SRD-05VDC-SL-C).

5. Display Event Interrupted

Display:

LCD Module: A 16x2 character LCD (e.g., HD44780) to display the relay status and current
readings.

LED Indicators: LEDs can be used to indicate different states (e.g., green for normal
operation, red for trip event).

Resistors: Current-limiting resistors for LEDs.

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Software optimization(Arduino coding)

This particular project Arduino nano for modelling thus coding is done in
Arduino IDE. The Arduino code initializes a 16x2 LCD display via I2C and sets up pins for
output control and button inputs. In the loop, it repeatedly reads an Analog current sensor on
pin A0, storing the maximum value from 50 samples and converting it to a current value. It
uses three buttons to toggle the output state, increase, or decrease a current threshold value.
The current reading and threshold are displayed on the LCD. If the current exceeds the
threshold, the output is turned off, and an overcurrent message is shown. This setup allows
real-time monitoring and control of current with visual feedback and protective features.

Sample Output

Conclusion
This project demonstrates the effective use of the Arduino Nano in
implementing an overcurrent relay. The system reliably detects overcurrent conditions and
promptly disconnects the circuit to prevent potential damage. It provides clear and real-time
status updates through an LCD display, ensuring easy monitoring and immediate awareness
of any trip events. The successful integration of signal extraction, computation, IDMT/DMT
characteristics, trip signal generation, and event display highlights the versatility and
capability of the Arduino Nano in electrical protection applications.