Abstract:
This project presents the design and implementation of a low-voltage power distribution line
monitoring and alerting system aimed at improving grid reliability in Uganda’s underserved
regions. The system detects faults such as outages, short circuits, and phase imbalances in real
time using ACS712 current sensors, a voltage sensor, and an ATmega328P microcontroller. It also
monitors transformer loading and efficiency, addressing a critical gap in rural power infrastructure
management. Fault notifications are transmitted via SMS using the SIM800L GSM module, while
real-time data is displayed on a 16x2 LCD and uploaded to Thing Speak for remote visualization.
The system was developed over four months, with the first two months dedicated to research and
simulation in Proteus, and the subsequent two months focused on prototype construction and
testing. Testing validated the system’s accuracy in detecting faults per IEEE 1366 and ANSI
C84.1-1995 standards, achieving a fault detection time of under 20 seconds in simulation and
reliable SMS alerts in hardware tests. By offering a low-cost, scalable solution, this project aligns
with Uganda’s Energy Policy (2022) and supports the Electricity Sector Development Plan (2015–
2030), contributing to enhanced power reliability, reduced downtime, and sustainable
infrastructure development in rural communities.
