Republic of the Philippines

University of Antique
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Sibalom, Antique

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The fluctuation in AC mains supply is frequent in homes and industries. Electronic

equipment is dependent on power to operate. While voltage and current brings life to a circuit it

can also cause harm. One of the most common sources of failure is exceeding the equipments rated

working voltage. The abnormal over voltages may be caused due to various reasons such as sudden

interruption of heavy load, lightening impulses, switching impulses etc. The sensitive electronic

devices in these conditions can get easily damaged. When it occurs the tripping device called

circuit breaker trip off automatically but manually turn on.

This study will focused on automated tripping device that will automatically disconnect

the load from the source when it senses change in current and voltage. Additionally, it reconnects

the load to the source when the supply is back to its normal condition. The automatic

microcontroller based circuit breaker aims at detecting the fluctuation in ac main supply and

tripping the load such that the load will not suffer any damages.

This device can be used directly as a standalone equipment between the mains supply and

the load. It could also be use as a power supply circuit breaker and a very useful device in

protecting different kinds of load.

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Objective of the Study

The general objective of the study is to design and develop an automatic

microcontroller base circuit breaker system.

Specifically aims to:

a. To design an automatic circuit breaker using microcontroller.

b. To develop an automatic circuit breaker using microcontoller that can be turn on and off

automatically.

c. To evaluate the performance of an automatic microcontroller based circuit breaker system

in terms of:

1. Functionality

2. Reliability

3. Usability

4. Maintainability

5. Effectiveness

Significance of the Study

The result of the study will be beneficial to the following:

College of Engineering and Architecture students and faculty. The college of engineering

and architecture students and faculty will benefit from the study in the sense that CEA building is

experiencing power fluctuation from the source that could damage electrical or electronic devices.

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 Home Owners. This project will ensure the home owners, the protection of the appliances

and other equipments installed in the house from differrent kinds of faults. While they are away

from home they can turn off the device via sms.

To anyone that wants to protect their devices and machines.

Future Researchers. The future researchers could gain knowledge from the study on the

benefits, advantages and impact of automatic microcontroller based circuit breaker system which

they may apply on their future research.

Conceptual Model

The major concept of this study will focus on the development of automatic microcontroller

base circuit breaker system in solving various problem about in the fluctuation in the AC main

supply.

Figure 1 shows the relationship of input variables which contains the knowledge

requirments, software requirements, hardware requirements and material requirements. The

process contains the design, fabrication, and evaluatin of the study. Output variables contain the

implementation and evaluation of automatic microcontroller based circuit breaker system,

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 Figure 1. Conceptual Diagram

Input Process Output

Knowledge Requirements
1. Arduino
programming
2. GSM
Software Requirement
1. Arduino program
Hardware Requirements
1. Microcontroller
2. GSM Module Design
3. Current sensor Automatic
4. Voltage sensor Fabricate Microcontroller
5. Relay
6. transformer Evaluation Based
Circuit Breaker
Material Requirements
1. Multitester
2. Soldering iron
3. Screw drivers
4. Bolts
5. Ply wood
6. Electrical tape
7. Glue stick
8. Pleirs

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Scope and Limitation of the Study

The automatic microcontroller based circuit breaker is designed to protect any equipment

or devices that are connected to it. This device can be used as substitute to the modern circuit

breaker and also can be serve as a power supply. The relay to be use is either solid state,

electromagnetic or mechanical relay as long as it can be trigger by low voltage dc supplied by any

microcontroller.

The current and voltage sensor is used to determine the current and the voltage that flows

through the circuit. This sensors are connected to the microcontroller. They send signal to the

microcontroller to trip off or on the relay.

It has a GSM module used to notify the user and can be used also by the user to turn off

the device. The SMS notification is only limited to the user whose number is registered in the GSM

module. The SMS notification is only applicable to areas that has signal or network.

The relay should depend on the voltage and current intend to use by the user. Their part

wear out as the switch contacts become dirty - high voltages and currents cause sparks between

the contacts. The back emf when the relay coil switch can damage the components like Arduino.

This can prevented by using diode.

The automatic microcontroller based circuit breaker is only for single phase operation at a

working voltage off 220-230 volts.

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Definition of Terms

Electricity- is a presence and flow of electric charge. Its best known as the flow of electrons

through conductors.

Source- any electrical components the supply electric power to any load.

Load- is an electrical component or portion of a circuit that’s consumes electric power.

Overvoltage- is when the voltage in a circuit or part of it is raised above its upper design limit, this

is known as overvoltage. The conditions may be hazardous. Depending on its duration, the

overvoltage event can be transient—a voltage spike—or permanent, leading to a power surge.

Under voltage- is defined as a condition where the applied voltage drops to 90% of rated voltage,

or less.

Overcurrent- is a situation where a larger than intended electric current exists through a conductor,

leading to excessive generation of heat, and the risk of fire or damage to equipment. Possible

causes for overcurrent include short circuits, excessive load, incorrect design, or a ground fault.

Circuit or Electric Circuit refers to path in which electrons from a voltage or current source flow.

Microcontroller- is a self-contained system with peripherals, memory and a processor that can be

used as an embedded system.

Normally Closed/Open refers to the contacts referred to relay switch when it is actuated.

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 Republic of the Philippines
University of Antique
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Sibalom, Antique

Chapter II

Review of Related Studies

Over Voltage Protection Device for ROV

(David Kantzon &Sebastian Lahti-2014-12-16)

Supplying power to equipment always imposes a risk of damaging it. This risk is apparent

in every application whether it be an industrial or a home appliance. One of these harmful

occurrences is something like lightning which introduces a potentially harmful voltage in the

system. To reduce the risk of damage significantly an over-voltage protection device is needed.

Devices which deal with this problem are common in any electrical equipment and this report deals

with the construction and evaluation of one such unit.

Overvoltage Protection Project

Power supply to OGC facilities are fed from the grid or power plants. The voltage feeding

a station can raise above a certain level due to a failure of generator excitation, transformer’s on-

load tap changers or any other reason causing overvoltage. That can potentially cause failure of

the equipment installed in OGC. Not only that, but also it can cause irreversible damage especially

to electronic equipment and cards like UPS.

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Review of Related Literature

Arduino Uno

Figure 2. Arduino Uno

The Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328 (datasheet). It has 14 digital

input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz crystal

oscillator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. It contains

everything needed to support the microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer with a USB

cable or power it with a AC-to-DC adapter or battery to get started.

The Arduino Uno can be powered via the USB connection or with an external power supply. The

power source is selected automatically.

External (non-USB) power can come either from an AC-to-DC adapter (wall-wart) or battery. The

adapter can be connected by plugging a 2.1mm center-positive plug into the board's power jack.

Leads from a battery can be inserted in the Gnd and Vin pin headers of the POWER connector.

The board can operate on an external supply of 6 to 20 volts. If supplied with less than 7V,

however, the 5V pin may supply less than five volts and the board may be unstable. If using more

than 12V, the voltage regulator may overheat and damage the board. The recommended range is

7 to 12 volts.

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Relay

Figure 3. Relay

A relay is an electrically operated or electromechanical switch composed of an

electromagnet, an armature, a spring and a set of electrical contacts. The electromagnetic switch

is operated by a small electric current that turns a larger current on or off by either releasing or

retracting the armature contact, thereby cutting or completing the circuit. Relays are necessary

when there must be electrical isolation between controlled and control circuits, or when multiple

circuits need to be controlled by a single signal.

Current Sensor

Figure 4. Current Sensor

A current sensor is a device that detects electric current in a wire, and generates a signal

proportional to that current. The generated signal could be analog voltage or current or even a

digital output. The generated signal can be then used to display the measured current in an

ammeter, or can be stored for further analysis in a data acquisition system, or can be used for the

purpose of control.

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Voltage sensor

Figure 5. Voltage Sensor

Voltage sensor is a device able to determine and even monitor and measure the voltage

supply. It is then able to take those measurements and turn them into a signal that one will then be

able to read. The signal will often go into a specialized electronic device for recording.

Transformer

Figure 6. Transformer

A transformer is an electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more

circuits through electromagnetic induction. Commonly, transformers are used to increase or

decrease the voltages of alternating current in electric power applications. Most power supplies

use a step down transformer to reduce the dangerously high voltages to safer low voltages.

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GSM module

Figure 7. GSM Module

GSM/GPRS module is used to establish communication between a computer and a GSM-

GPRS system. Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) is an architecture used for

mobile communication in most of the countries. Global Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is an

extension of GSM that enables higher data transmission rate. GSM/GPRS module consists of a

GSM/GPRS modem assembled together with power supply circuit and communication

interfaces (like RS-232, USB, etc) for computer. GSM/GPRS MODEM is a class of wireless

MODEM devices that are designed for communication of a computer with the GSM and GPRS

network. It requires a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card just like mobile phones to activate

communication with the network. Also they have IMEI (International Mobile Equipment

Identity) number similar to mobile phones for their identification. A GSM/GPRS MODEM can

perform the following operations:

1. Receive, send or delete SMS messages in a SIM.

2. Read, add, search phonebook entries of the SIM.

3. Make, Receive, or reject a voice call.

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Rectifier
`

Figure 8. Rectifier

A rectifier is an electrical device composed of one or more diodes that converts alternating

current (AC) to direct current (DC). A diode is like a one-way valve that allows an electrical current

to flow in only one direction. This process is called rectification.

A rectifier can take the shape of several different physical forms such as solid-state diodes, vacuum

tube diodes, mercury arc valves, silicon-controlled rectifiers and various other silicon-based

semiconductor switches.

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 Republic of the Philippines
University of Antique
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Sibalom, Antique

Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter of the study represents the step by step procedure of the project design, project

developments, operations and testing procedure and evaluation procedures conducted by the

researchers.

Design Criteria

The following criteria should be considered in the construction of the automatic micro-

controller based circuit breaker.

1. The system will be supplied with the electric power which will be regulated to provide

safe operating voltages to the system.

2. The Arduino Uno microcontroller will draw the power from the 5v adapter through

230V AC supply.

3. A microcontroller, Arduino Uno will serve as the main controller of the system that

will be programmed by the researcher so that the system will operate on its specific

functions.

4. The system is a tripping device that will isolate the load from the source.

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 Figure 9. Fabrication Drawing

GSM
PCV
MODULE
BOARD

ARDUINO

RELAY
TRANSFORMER

Top View

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BLOCK DIAGRAM
Figure 10. Block Diagram

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

VOLTAGE

SENSOR

RELAY

CURRENT
MICROCONTROLLER
SENSOR

GSM
AC/DC MODULE
CONVERTER

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Cost Analysis
Table 1. Bill of Materials

Quality Unit Materials Unit Price Total price

1 pc. Arduino 620.00 620.00
1 pc. GSM Module 700.00 700.00
1 pc. Current Sensor 200.00 200.00
1 pc. Voltage Sensor 200.00 200.00
1 pc. Relay 300. 300.00
1 pc. SIM card 30.00 30.00
1 pc. Ply wood 370 370.00
1 pc. transformer 450.00 450.00
1 pc. PCB board 75.00 75.00
5 m. Connecting wires 25 125.00
Total 3750.00

Table 2. Cost Analysis

Activities/Materials amount

Materials for operation and

3750.00
testing

Construction expenses 1000.00

Gathering and Analysis of Data 500.00

Travel expense 500.00

Total 5750.00

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Tools and Equipment’s

1. Laptop computer

2. Multi tester

3. Pliers

4. Soldering iron

5. Screw drivers

6. Glue gun

Construction Procedure

1. Prepare the circuit and design of the system.

2. Gather all the materials and equipment needed.

3. Arrange the components of the circuit and put the printed circuit board.

4. Solder each component to make sure that it is unmovable and there are no connection that

may cause the circuit to be grounded.

5. Connect all the sensors and relay to the Arduino.

6. Secure every components to its designated place.

7. Turn on the system.

8. Check and test the system.

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Operation and Testing Procedures

Testing of the procedure/prototype can be done by anyone who has knowledge about it and

knows and knows safety precautions and hazards involve in this work. To ensure good

performance of the project/prototype, the following procedures should follow;

1. Check the wire connection and make sure that is properly connected to avoid damage on

the system.

2. After carefully checking, turn on the system and it will automatically monitor the current

and voltages that’s flow through the circuit.

Instrumentation

Soldering iron- it is used together with a lead to connect electronic components of a circuit in the

PCB.

Multi tester- it is a combination of a voltmeter, ammeter and ohmmeter. It

Pliers- it is a hand tool with two hinged arms ending jaws that are closed by hand pressure o grip

something. It is used to splice wire or hold in electronic component in a circuit.

Breadboard- it is use as a temporary board in testing on the project. It is where we connect our

circuit.

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Data Gathering Procedure

A survey was made after satisfactory result of the testing procedure using qualitative

analysis of determining the acceptability of the project was performed.

Questionnaires and evaluation sheets were distributed to a panel of 15 respondents who

were present during the testing. Prior to the evaluation proceeding, a demonstration of the

operation and features of the project cost conducted at CEA building. Respondents were present

during the said activity and were given evaluation copy.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The data obtained from the respondents were then evaluated, computed and statically

treated. From the suggestion of the respondent who tested and criticized the project, the mean (X)

from each criterion was computed to determine whether the project is acceptable or not.

5---------------------------- Very Acceptable

4---------------------------- Acceptable

3---------------------------- Moderate Acceptable

2---------------------------- Inacceptable

1---------------------------- Very Inacceptable

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Comments gathered from the questionnaire were analysed and given emphasis to see features that

attract most to the respondents and what features should be given attention.

The mean (X) for every criteria was computed and from it the grand (X) was solved to

check the overall acceptability of the project. The formula shown was used.

FORMULA: WM=∑fx/n

Where

WM= Weighted Mean

∑fx/n = sum of the product of frequency by Midpoint

n = total number of cases

MONTH
ACTIVITIES
June July AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FED MAR

Choosing of topics

Gathering of data

Preparation of
Materials for
testing
Testing and
evaluation
Writing of reports

Editing

Submission

Table 3. Time Table

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