Methodology for the Registration of Transient

Overvoltages in Low-Voltage Networks

Andrés Alfonso, Luis E. Perdomo, Francisco Santamaria
Electromagnetic Compatibility and Interference Group - Faculty of Engineering
Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas
Bogotá, Colombia
aalfonsor@correo.udistrital.edu.co, leperdomoo@correo.udistrital.edu.co, fsantamariap@udistrital.edu.co

Abstract—This article proposes a methodology for the
development of electronic devices for registering electrical
variables, focused on the Internet of Things. It describes the main
criteria and procedures for planning and design this type of
devices. Finally, the application of the methodology for the
development of a prototype for registering transient overvoltages
is presented. The variables of interest are analyzed and the
application of the methodology is presented step by step; the
resulting printed circuit boards are then shown.
Keywords—smart grids; electronic design; internet of things
(IoT); communication technologies; power quality
I. INTRODUCTION
Several registering elements are required to supervise,
control, and maintain optimal functioning of today's electrical
grid [1]–[11]. These registering elements must be distributed
along sections in the grid, in order to conduct a detailed
analysis, predict problems, and take corrective actions to
increase their degree of reliability [12].
Due to the high cost of the elements performing these
functions, such as electrical power recorders or power quality
analyzers, their use in low-voltage distribution networks is very
limited. Therefore, a design methodology, applicable to
electronic devices for registering electrical variables, is
proposed; this methodology is applied to the registration of
transient overvoltages.
The implementation of multiple devices for registering
transient overvoltages along the distribution network will allow
the identification of the overvoltage injection point from the
reported data.
The study of technology foresight of the electric and
electronic industry in Bogota, Cundinamarca [13], [14], made
in 2013, resulted in the creation of R+D+I portfolios based on
immediate use sectors and priority segments; this study is
expected to be implemented by 2025. Fields such as Embedded
Systems, New Short- and Long-Range Wireless Technologies,
and Power Electronics, as well as segments such as Energy,
Manufacturing, Health, and Welfare are highlighted.
Therefore, for proper development of the technology
industry in the region, the methodological structuring for
developing electronic systems, focused on Internet of Things
(IoT) with direct application to the electricity sector, is
important.
This research is funded by the National Fund for Funding of Science,
Technology and innovation "Fondo Francisco José de Caldas" of the
Administrative Department of Science, Technology and innovation -
COLCIENCIAS (Contract: FP44842 - 321 2015).
Accordingly, a methodology for registering transient
overvoltages in low-voltage networks, intended to decrease the
costs associated with registering devices, is proposed.
Section II presents the methodology developed. The
application of the methodology is described in section III. The
results and validation are presented in section IV, and the
conclusions in section V.
II. METHODOLOGY
This section lists and describes the stages necessary for
developing a device that allows registration and transfer of data
associated with transient overvoltages in low-voltage networks.
The three main stages are: Data selection, signal
conditioning, and Internet of Things, as shown in Fig. 1.
Electrical variables recorder
Identification of the main
Data selection
characteristics of the signal
Registration methodology
Simplification of analog-digital
Signal conditioning
conversion
Reduction of data to be processed
Internet of Things Data backup
Availability for the user
Fig. 1. Design methodology.
A. Selection of the data to be registered
The main origin of transient phenomena along the
transmission lines, distribution systems, and end-user facilities
are the lightning discharges (direct and indirect impact) and
maneuvers in the system. The characteristic parameters of this
type of overvoltage are the peak voltage value, the rise-time
(reaching 90% of the peak value of overvoltage), and the fall-
time (during this time, it reaches 50% of the magnitude of
overvoltage after reaching the peak). Typical rise/decay values
for overvoltages of atmospheric origin and maneuver
operations are 1.2/50 µs and 250/2,500 µs respectively. The
peak values are in the range of 6-10 p. u. [15]-[20].
The peak value of the transient overvoltage is an important
parameter for the design of electrical insulation systems and
electrical protection, among others. The Basic Insulation Level
against overvoltages of atmospheric origin (BIL) is the voltage
value for which non-regenerative insulation has a 90%
likelihood of disruption [21]. In the Colombian environment,
the BIL implemented for the design of insulation in power
distribution networks is 95 kV and 170 kV [22]-[26].
The registration of transient overvoltage must be oriented
towards measurement in each wire of the facility, network or
system of energy transfer. This is due to voltage transfers of
distribution network from MV to LV by means of capacitive
couplings between transformer windings as well as galvanic
couplings through the neutral conductor. In the case of
Colombia, where TN-S (five-wire earthing system; the
protective conductor and the neutral conductor are separate)
arrangements are mostly used in link and interior facilities [23],
transient overvoltage are transferred to final use devices
through any of the threads in the system, affecting their
integrity [27]-[31].
The methodology of classification in voltage ranges is to
establish levels of comparison and classify the peak voltage of
the transient phenomenon in one of these levels. Once the
magnitude of the signal exceeds one of the thresholds, the
processing device detects and registers the level that the
magnitude of the signal reaches. Fig. 2 presents the
classification of transient signal and its binary equivalent.
Fig. 2. Ranges of comparison.
It means that when an overvoltage, whose magnitude is
located at level 1, arises, the binary value 100 will be
registered, whereas the value 110 will be registered for level 2,
and the value 111 will be registered for level 3. Depending on
the system requirements, it is possible to employ as many
levels as required.
B. Signal conditioning
For a full registration of the signal, high-speed digital
analog converters are required. However, this poses a
challenge, due to the high volume of samples, the number of
sampled channels, and the sample rate. This increases the cost
of the device and makes it difficult to design. A strategy to be
used is to reduce the amount of data to be processed and
simplify the processing algorithm. This is achieved through the
methodology of ranges and by simplifying the processing
algorithm into the identification of changes of state. This
lowers costs, since it requires integrated of lower range, such as
low-end microcontrollers, and simplifies the electronic design;
this does not affect the ultimate goal of this type of devices: to
determine the phenomena that affects the quality of the power
delivered to the end-user and possible sources of such
interference.
Another variable to be considered is the magnitude of the
signal, since electronic devices work on voltage signals lower
than 5 V, and in most cases, electrical systems operate with
voltages from 24 V to hundreds of kilovolts. Therefore, voltage
dividers or active devices of signal coupling are required in
order to reduce the voltage level, without affecting the other
characteristics of the signal.
In addition, in order to have a more detailed registration,
thanks to the decrease of the volume of data, information on
time and georeference can be also stored aimed at an analysis
that could lead to predict, among other aspects, the origin of the
disturbance.
C. Internet of Things
The reliability and availability of information are two main
characteristics of any device registering electrical variables.
These two characteristics are achieved through a redundant
design, reliable storage media, and stable channels of
transmission of information [32].
In the selection of communication channels, it is necessary
to establish online or offline means of access to information. In
the first case, either information transfers whenever the event
takes places or a sending period must be defined. In the case of
transient signals, sending information, once the event takes
place, reduces communication costs, since only relevant
information is sent.
Additionally, multiple wired, wireless, online or offline
channels of information transfer are essential, since the
necessary infrastructure might not be available in certain areas
of the world [33]. Likewise, this requires to provide the device
with an internal memory that allows an information record to
ensure that all the events are registered.
The registered information must be stored in the internal
memory and in the cloud to safeguard valuable records. This
makes it easier to develop multiple software tools that enable
the user to have a constant access to the flow of information.
III. METHODOLOGY APPLICATION
A. Selection of overvoltage levels
As described in the previous section, the selection of certain
overvoltage levels is required for the classification of registered
transient overvoltages. Therefore, research and studies
conducted by different entities of the electro-electronic sector
were taken into account [34]. The first study was developed by
Bell Telephone Laboratories; it consisted in counting
overvoltages in the line of 120 V in one of the circuits of its
facilities, over a period of 42 months. The results obtained are
[34]:
• 146 overvoltages for the voltage range 300 V-500 V.
 • 14 overvoltages for the voltage range 500 V-1000 V.
Overvoltage recorder
• 3 overvoltages for the voltage range 1000 V-1500 V. TCP/IP
USB TCP/IP TCP/IP
• 3 overvoltages for values higher than 1500 V. USB
TCP/IP
Bluetooth
General Electric Company conducted a study [34] which
consisted in placing multiple devices to count the number of TCP/IP
TCP/IP

transient overvoltages exceeding 1.2 kV in different cities for a

specified period. The results show that the city of Desktop or web Mobile application
Somersworth, NH, had the largest number of affected houses application
(50). Data base Socket server

The third case study, conducted by Joslyn Electronics

Systems [34], consisted in the development of prototype Technician on download
counters of transient overvoltages for voltage levels of 120 V Technician on
configuration and
except for partial
PC application
and 240 V within industrial and residential environments. The download except for
visualization Desktop or web
classification of overvoltages is within the ranges of 350 V, visualization

500 V, 1000 V, and 1500 V.

In [35], the authors employed the IEEE 13 node test feeder Multiple users with several
[36] as a reference for the characterization of transient privileges

overvoltages in low-voltage networks for industrial and
residential complexes.
Based on this research, it was determined that the prototype
is able to register and classify transient overvoltages in the
range of 500 V, 1000 V and 1500 V peak. However, the
prototype can classify transient overvoltages in the voltage
range of 35 V - 3000 V by performing settings from a desktop
software.
B. Overvoltage signal conditioning
Since the frequency of signals of interest is higher than 20
kHz, a fourth order Chebyshev high-pass filter was designed;
this filter attenuates the 60 Hz signal and allows the signal of
interest without alteration [37]. In addition, a capacitive divider
constructed with high frequency capacitors, operation voltages
of more than 5 kV, and a transformation ratio of 700 was used.
High speed comparators were employed to generate
comparison windows and high speed multivibrators in order to
maintain the level to be registered by a microcontroller.
The microcontroller performs the registration of change of
state, retrieves information on time and georeference, and
stores the data frame in an internal memory. Additionally, it
sends data to the server via GPRS channel.
C. Internet of Things in the overvoltage register
The prototype recorder of transient overvoltages is able to
communicate bidirectionally with software that allow
information storage and configuration of the prototype, as
shown in Fig. 3.
The selection and construction of the information frame
sent to the server from the registration of a transient considers
the response times by modules of wireless transmission,
specifically in GSM/GPRS communication technology.
Therefore, the user can configure alerts through text messages
to the grid operator, for the maximum level of transient
overvoltage registered. If text messaging is enabled, the
registration, processing, transfer to the server, and text
messaging will take 1.5 s. If disabled, the process will take 1 s.
Fig. 3. Technologies of communication and information storage.
The data frame includes the prototype identification (ID),
the overvoltage level recored, the georeference of the
prototype, and time and date of occurrence of the event. This
information frame is transmitted via GSM/GPRS
communication technologies, Bluetooth, and USB. The frame
has a start and end mark and identifiers that enable the
separation of data.
In this way, as shown in Fig. 3, access to the information is
guaranteed, records are safeguarded, and a redundant
communication system is generated by providing the Bluetooth
and USB communication prototype.
D. Printed circuit resulting from the application of the
methodology
Based on the methodological description mentioned above,
a prototype was designed for registering slow and fast front
transient overvoltages for less than 1 kV voltage networks.
Electromagnetic compatibility criteria have been included in
the design in order to preserve the integrity of the signal.
Fig. 4 shows the PCB responsible for the conditioning of
the transient signal registered and logical representation from
the levels of comparison.
Fig. 4. PCB for the digitalization of the transient overvoltage signals.
Fig. 5 shows the PCB responsible for the construction of
the frame corresponding to the registration of transient
overvoltages as well as multiple communication channels for The results obtained from the test on variation in magnitude
the data transfer to different computer platforms. for three different frequencies are presented in Fig. 8. These
results show a deviation smaller than 0.1 with respect to the
theoretical value; the test was therefore SATISFACTORY.

668.4

Relación de transformación
668.2
668
667.8
667.6
667.4
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Tensión Aplicada [V]

20 kHz 100 kHz 300 kHz

Fig. 5. PCB for data processing and transfer to a remote center.

IV. VALIDATION Fig. 7. Test on variation in magnitude, voltage divider.

The validation of the proposed methodology was performed To verify the operation of the capacitive divider on a fast-
using laboratory tests, in which the operation of each stage of front transient overvoltage, an overdamped wave with
the designed cards was verified. The results obtained are magnitude of 1.53 kV was applied; the transformation ratio
presented below. was observed through an oscilloscope, as shown in Fig. 9.
A. Capacitive voltage divider
Tests on the capacitive divider aim to verify the design
guidelines. A sinusoidal signal with a peak magnitude of 12 V
was applied to the voltage divider; the frequency was varied
from 10 Hz to 300 KHz. The 10 Hz-100 Hz interval had
verification points every 10 Hz. The 100 Hz-1 kHz interval had
verification points every 100 Hz. The 1 kHz-20 kHz interval
had verification points every 1 kHz. The 20 kHz-300 kHz
interval had verification points every 20 kHz. The observation
points were the high-voltage branch and the low-voltage
branch through the oscilloscope.
The results obtained from the test on variation in frequency
are shown in Fig. 7. They show a deviation smaller than 0.1 of
the experimental values with respect to the theoretical value
((theoretical value – real value) / theoretical value); the test was
therefore SATISFACTORY.

680
Relación de transformación

675
Fig. 8. Test on overdamped wave, capacitive divider.
670
The result obtained in the low-voltage branch was 2.29 V
665 peak, corresponding to a ratio transformation of 668.12. The
difference between the calculated value and the measured value
660
is approximately 0.16%; the test was therefore
0.01 0.06 0.1 1 10 20 100 200 300
SATISFACTORY.
Frecuencia [kHz]
B. Voltage comparator
Relación Medida Relación Calculada Tests on the voltage comparator aimed to verify the design
guidelines. Furthermore, these tests allowed the verification of
the measurement threshold, which depends on the voltage
Fig. 6. Results of the test on variation in frequency, voltage divider. levels generated by the PWMs.
A test on variation in frequency of a squared signal with
amplitude of 20% from 10 Hz to 300 kHz was developed.
Additionally, the signal voltage was varied from 1 V to 5 V at
each frequency. As a result, it could be established that
comparators work properly even at the maximum frequency
applied.
Moreover, the comparison test on voltage variation
concluded that the registration threshold is 50 mV. An
overdamped wave normalized with a peak value of 2.29 V was
also applied. The result at the output of comparator 1 was a
pulse, since the signal magnitude exceeded 0.63 V, but it was
inferior to the comparison voltages corresponding to levels 2
and 3 (2.3 V and 3.4 V). The result of the test was therefore
SATISFACTORY.
C. Monostable multivibrator
The test on the monostable multivibrator consisted in
verifying a single triggering per change of state in the input;
this resulted in an output during 1 s. To do this, changes of
state were performed after the triggering at a 10-ms interval
among changes of state. Consequently, the output remained
high for 1 s, thereby ensuring no retriggerings that could affect
data collection and processing during the registration of
signals.
A test on variation in frequency of repetition of a squared
signal with amplitude of 20% from 10 Hz to 300 kHz was
developed. As a result, it was observed that the monostable
multivibrator only registers one signal, regardless of the
number of pulses received during 1 s.
Likewise, an overdamped wave with a peak value of 2.29 V
was applied. As a result, a squared signal, that lasted 1 s and
whose amplitude was 5 V, was registered in the output of the
multivibrator; as this was expected, the test was
SATISFACTORY.
D. GSM/GPRS communication module
To verify the operation of the communication card, the
worst scenario was simulated: the simultaneous record of
overvoltages level three, varying intervals among records from
0.5 s to 4 s. The test was satisfactory because the data collected
was successfully transmitted via GPRS and SMS without
losses. However, there is a disadvantage in the GSM
communication module related to sending text messages: when
this function is activated, it is not possible to register
overvoltages in the range below 1.5 s. This is due to the time
required for the transmission of the text message.
CONCLUSIONS
A method to decrease the data to be registered is the proper
characterization of the signal and the selection of the main
variables.
The classification of slow and fast front transient
overvoltage levels can be in the range of 500 V, 1,000 V, and
1,500 V.
IoT applied to the registration of electrical variables
requires the implementation of multiple communication
channels and multiple storage sites with the aim of
guaranteeing the user's access to the records.
REFERENCES
[1] M. Begovic, Ed., Electrical Transmission Systems and Smart Grids:
Selected Entries from the Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and
Technology. New York: Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
[2] F. Bouhafs, M. Mackay, and M. Merabti, Communication Challenges
and Solutions in the Smart Grid. New York: Springer, 2014.
[3] B. M. Buchholz and Z. Styczynski, Smart Grids – Fundamentals and
Technologies in Electricity Networks. New York: Springer Science &
Business Media, 2014.
[4] K. C. Budka, J. G. Deshpande, and M. Thottan, Communication
Networks for Smart Grids: Making Smart Grid Real. New York:
Springer Science & Business Media, 2014.
[5] Z. M. Fadlullah and N. Kato, Evolution of Smart Grids, vol. 13. New
York: Springer Science & Business Media, 2015.
[6] T. Jiang, L. Yu, and Y. Cao, Energy Management of Internet Data
Centers in Smart Grid. New York: Springer, 2015.
[7] A. Keyhani and M. Marwali, Eds., Smart Power Grids 2011. New York:
Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
[8] H. Li, Enabling Secure and Privacy Preserving Communications in
Smart Grids. New York: Springer Science & Business Media, 2014.
[9] R. Smolenski, Conducted Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in Smart
Grids. New York: Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
[10] M. Uslar, M. Specht, C. Dänekas, J. Trefke, S. Rohjans, J. M. González,
C. Rosinger, and R. Bleiker, Standardization in Smart Grids:
Introduction to IT-Related Methodologies, Architectures and Standards.
New York: Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
[11] Broadband Networks, Smart Grids and Climate Change. New York:
Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
[12] J. L. Blackburn and T. J. Domin, Protective Relaying: Principles and
Applications, Fourth Edition, Third edit. London: Taylor & Francis
Group, 2014.
[13] D. Zuluaga Vidal, R. Castillo Méndez, and D. Mayorquín Bejarano,
Prospectiva tecnológica de la industria electro electrónica de Bogotá y
Cundinamarca, Primera ed. Bogotá: Centro de Investigación y
Desarrollo Tecnológico de la Industria Electro Electrónica y TIC -
CIDEI, 2015.
[14] D. Zuluaga Vidal, R. Castillo Méndez, D. Mayorquín Bejarano, M.
Cuadra, and L. E. Perdomo, “Metodología para la Selección de
Portafolios de Tecnologías y Segmentos de Mercado para Agendas de
I+D+i Sectoriales,” in Políticas y Gestión de Ciencia y Tecnología en el
Contexto Latino-Iberoamericano ALTEC, 2013, pp. 6823–6838.
[15] P. Chowdhuri, Electromagnetic transients in power systems. New York:
Research studies press LTD, 1996.
[16] V. Cooray, Lightning Protection. London: Institution of Engineering
and Technology, 2010.
[17] A. Greenwood, Electrical Transients in Power Systems. New York:
Wiley, 1991.
[18] T. Liu and W. Scott, Electro magnetic transients program (EMTP)
Theory book. Portland, 1994.
[19] J. A. Martínez Velasco, Power System Transients: Parameter
Determination. New York: CRC Press, 2009.
[20] N. Watson and J. Arrillaga, Power Systems Electromagnetic Transients
Simulation. London: Institution of Engineering and Technology, 2003.
[21] International Electrotechnical Commission, Insulation Co-Ordination
Part 1 Definitions, Principles and Rules IEC 60071.1 - 2006. New
York, 2012.
[22] V. Cecconi, A. Matranga, and A. Ragusa, “New circuital models of
grounding systems and PDS for EMI analysis during a lightning strike,”
in 31st Annual Conference of IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, 2005.
IECON 2005., 2005, p. 6 pp.
[23] C. J. Gil Arrieta and C. Suárez Landázabal, Fundamentos de sistemas de
puesta a tierra. Barranquilla: Corporación Universitaria de la Costa,
2009.
[24] J. Monaña, Teoría de puestas a tierra. Barranquilla: Universidad del
Norte, 2012.
[25] G. Moreno Ospina, J. A. Valencia Velásquez, C. A. Cárdenas Agudelo,
 and W. M. Villa Acevedo, Fundamentos e ingeniería de las puestas a Symposium on Electrical Insulation, 2010, pp. 1–4.
tierra: Respuestas ante fallas eléctricas y rayos. Medellín: Universidad [32] J. V. C. Hernández, Redes inalámbricas de sensores : una nueva
de Antioquia, 2007. arquitectura eficiente y robusta basada en jerarquía dinámica de
[26] M. de la V. Ortega, Problemas de ingeniería de puesta a tierra. Ciudad grupos. 2010.
de México: Editorial Limusa, 2001. [33] M. M. Monshi and O. a. Mohammed, “A study on the efficient wireless
[27] A. Borghetti, A. S. Morched, F. Napolitano, C. A. Nucci, and M. sensor networks for operation monitoring and control in smart grid
Paolone, “Lightning-induced overvoltages transferred from medium- applications,” 2013 Proc. IEEE Southeastcon, pp. 1–5, 2013.
voltage to low-voltage networks,” in 2005 IEEE Russia Power Tech, [34] R. Transit, V. Interface, S. Committee, I. Vehicular, and T. Society,
2005, pp. 1–7. IEEE Recommended practice on Surge Voltages in Low-Voltage (1000
[28] W. A. Chisholm and W. Janischewskyj, “Lightning surge response of V and Less) AC Power Circuits, IEEE C62.41.1-1991, vol. 2004, no.
ground electrodes,” IEEE Trans. Power Deliv., vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 1329– February. New York, 2012.
1337, Apr. 1989. [35] A. Alfonso, L. Perdomo, F. Santamaria, and G. Carlos, “Transient
[29] J. G. Herrera, E. Perez, and H. Torres, “Statistical evaluation of surges analysis in low voltage networks,” Rev. Tecnura, vol. 18, no.
transferred voltages through transformers due to lightning induced Edición especial doctorado, pp. 41–50, 2014.
overvoltages,” in 2003 IEEE Bologna Power Tech Conference [36] IEEE PES Distribution System Analysis Subcommittee, “Distribution
Proceedings, 2003, vol. 1, pp. 225–231. Test Feeders,” 2001. [Online]. Available:
[30] A. Korsuntsev, “Application of similarity theory in the calculation of the http://ewh.ieee.org/soc/pes/dsacom/testfeeders/index.html.
impulse characteristics of concentrated earth electrodes,” [37] C. J. Savant, M. S. Roden, and G. L. Carpenter, Diseño electrónico:
Elecktrichestvo, vol. 5, pp. 31–35, 1958. circuitos y sistemas. Pearson Educación, 2000.
[31] T. Pham, N. Pham, and T. V. Tran, “EMTP simulation of induced
overvoltage in low voltage system,” in 2010 IEEE International