TOPIC:

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A MONITORING SYSTEM TO DETECT

VEGETATION GROWTH ALONG THE ROUT OF POWER OVERHEAD LINES
BASED ON ARDUINO UNO AND XBEE TECHNOLOGY.

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
With the continuous increasing in the energy consumption and with more distribution line being deployed
frequently to attend the demand, the electricity system needs reliability nationwide. Different natural
phenomena can provoke fault in the distribution lines, which affects the overall system performance [1]. For
example, accidents caused by vegetation in distribution lines in urban and rural areas and common reasons for
interruption in the supply of electricity in Ghana [2].
The installation and maintenance of distribution lines lead to the adoption of methods based on the total or
partial cut of the vegetation near the lines aiming to prevent the interruption of the electricity supply [3]. The
traditional control methods used in power line clearance includes:
 Cutting down or pruning tree branches close to the power line.
 Others use tree growth regulators to suppress the production of plant hormones that control stem
elongation.
 light detector and ranging (LiDAR) is another that is also used by sending beams laser light and then
measures how long it takes for the light to hit an object and return to the sensor [4].
In the context, this work proposes a system to monitor the vegetation growth in power lines; this
solution is based on the usage of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) to monitor the vegetation in various
stretches of the distribution lines. The WSN is deploy on each of the distribution pole where vegetation
encroachment is spotted. The proposed device divided into two sections.
I. THE TRANSMITTER
The transmitter consist of Arduino Uno, XBee, battery and a solar panel. The XBee is responsible for
generating and transmitting signal from the transmitter to the receiver. The solar panel charges the battery and
so the battery powers the device. The Arduino Uno is responsible for programing and coding the systems as
well as processes the data.

II. THE RECEIVER

The receiver consist of Arduino Uno, XBee, and GPRS, GPS, battery and solar panel. The XBee is responsible
for receiving the signal transmitted by the transmitter. The Arduino is responsible for programing, coding, and
processing data. The GPS generate GPS coordinate by receiving a weak signal when there is vegetation
intrusion. The GPRS send the coordinate generated by the GPS to the District Engineer near or remotely.
However, one of the most common causes for this unexpected contact between the lines is the invasion of the
vegetation under the lines, which in addition to causing fault may lead to further damage, resulting in the total

Page 1
interruption of the operation of the affected lines [2]. Several techniques for monitoring vegetation in the
distribution lines are presented in the literature.

1.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE

 To monitor the vegetation between the distribution poles through the interference caused by
vegetation in the signal propagation.
 To maintain a continuous monitoring of the distribution lines.

1.2.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE

 To develop a system that is cost effective and economically friendly in the management of
vegetation growth along the route of power overhead lines.
 To use GPRS and GPS to locate and identify vegetation encroachment.

1.2.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT OF THE PROJECT

Vegetation encroachment alongside power lines in urban and rural areas are a common cause of
interruption in the power energy supply. A system based on wireless sensor network (WSN) is
proposed to support in the control of the vegetation growth. Sensors modules can be installed
sequentially in the distribution lines to monitor the vegetation encroachment in distribution lines.
Embedded devices containing Arduino Uno Microcontroller and radio communication modules were
used in practical experiment to prove it effectiveness in the detection of vegetation this scenario. The
experiment results demonstrated that the system meets the requirements of the proposal, being a viable
and reduced cost option for the monitoring of distribution lines.

Page 2
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter present existing research done on the technology relating to different method use in controlling
vegetation along the rout of power lines.

2.2 FIELD INSPECTION

These inspections are one of the most adopted practices is the field inspection using vehicles [6]. In this type
of operation, a patrol with two company employees course from sections of the line carrying out visual
inspection. After the analysis of the line employees, it is decided if there will be cutting of trees that could
jeopardize the operation of the evaluated line. This method is expensive, as it requires a large teams qualified
employees. Additionally, such operation requires a lot of time spent based on the size of line and depends on
human judgement, which could take inappropriate decisions.
2.2.1 AIR SURVEILLANCE BY VIDEO

Helicopter and aircraft containing surveillance cameras or sensors are adopted to perform monitoring [7]. This
method is most commonly used for regions with dense vegetation or geographically rough terrains. This
technique consists of recording the images of a sector of the power line and later analyse the video to further
decisions about the prevention strategies. This method is expensive and complex for the power companies [8].

2.2.2 MULTISPECTRAL AERIAL IMAGE

Multispectral aerial imaging is remote technology that captures image at a particular frequency. Filters or other
instruments that are sensitive to certain wavelength [9] achieve the part of interest of the captured image.
Multispectral cameras are installed in helicopters, aircraft or even balloons to capture images of regions where
there is risk of intrusion of vegetation over the power lines. The images obtained are processed by geographic
information systems. The recent advancements on image processing and resolution as well as photometric
technology made this solution feasible. Despite the multispectral images method have shown to be more
accurate if compared to field inspection method and aerial surveillance, the captured image may not be as
accurate as expected due to the used sensor parameters and atmospheric variations. In addition, due to the low
flight altitude necessary for application of this method, it is difficult to keep the aircraft above the lines,
whichresults in large time consumption to monitor large area [10].

Page 3
2.2.3 INTEGRATED MULTIMEDIA SENSOR NETWORK

A recent approach proposes method to perform the monitoring of power lines based on wireless sensor
networks (WSN) [1]. This solution is based on an image-processing platform focused on the detection and
analysis of vegetation encroachment in distribution lines. The proposed method suggest the use of sensor
nodes with integrated cameras installed in the towers of the electric network. The goal is to form a network
that transmits the images gathered by each sensor to a central base. The proposed camera to be installed

In each sensor node has low resolution, with the aim to facilitate the diffusion of the data received at the
central base via Wi-Fi. This method intends to determine the height of the vegetation and to process the image
received to determine the distance between the camera and the towers where the sensor nodes were deployed.
Besides, the image processing is also intended to identify other possible risks to the distribution lines. After
reaching the base station, all the images under evaluation are processed and sent to an online server, if possible
risk are identified a warning is then released.
The fundamental objective of the embedded device proposed in this work is to maintain a continuous
monitoring of the distribution lines of the power network.
The proposed system is aims to monitor the vegetation between the distribution poles through the interference
caused by the vegetation in the signal propagation. In this way, it is essential to define the maximum distance
in which the sensor maintains reliable communication with other sensors, even with the possible interference
provoked by the vegetation in the signal propagation. The optimal distance will ensure that the information is
properly received by the sensors deployed at the lines and by the district office,

Page 4
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 METHODOLOGY
This chapter describes the system of Controlling Vegetation Growth along the Route Power Lines Wireless
Technology of a distribution lines. There are two main categories in this wireless based Controlling Vegetation
Growth along the Power Lines Technology. They are the Transmitter and Receiver section.
3.1.1 THE TRANSMITTER SECTION

The Transmitter section comprises of Arduino Mega and XBee. The Arduino Mega is responsible for
providing 5V and ground supply to the XBee. The Arduino Mega is incorporated with Microcontroller for
programming and to communicate with the Xbee. The Arduino Mega has an I/O pins for interfacing with the
XBee. The XBee is configured as a coordinator (Transmitter). The Coordinator is responsible for Establishing
the Network and Generate the transmitted Signal.
3.1.2 RECEIVER SECTION

The Receiver section comprises of Arduino Mega, GPS, GPRS and XBee. The Arduino Mega is responsible
for providing 5V and ground supply to the XBee, GPS, and GPRS. The Arduino Mega is incorporated with
Microcontroller for programming and to communicate with the XBee, GPS and GPRS. The Arduino Mega
has an I/O pins for interfacing with the XBee, GPS and the GPRS. The XBee in this section is configured as
Router (Receiver). The XBee (Router) receives the Signal generated by the XBee (coordinator) at the
Transmitter section. The GPS generate a coordinate upon the Signal received by the XBee (Router). The GPS
only generate a coordinate if the Signal received by the XBee (Router) is weak or interrupted by the Vegetation
intrusion. The GPRS send SMS together with the coordinate generated by the GPS to the District Manager or
the District Engineer informing them of vegetation intrusion.
The Transmitter is mounted on first pole and the Receiver is mounted on the second pole of the Power lines.
Any Vegetation that comes close between the two poles of the Power Lines would be detected and call for
pruning.

Page 5
3.2 SYSTEM DESIGN
3.2.1 SELECTION OF COMPONENTS WITH JUSTIFICATION
Target Processor.
Arduino Mega uses ATMega 2560 based Microcontroller that executes powerful instruction in a single clock
cycle. This allows it to strike a fine balance between power consumption and processing speed. It is
acknowledged for its capabilities in handling more complex project. The Arduino Mega 2560 gives your
project plenty of room and opportunities. Arduino Mega is different from Microprocessor in many ways. First
and the most important is its functionality. In order to use Microprocessor, other components such as Analog
to Digital Convention (ADC), Digital to Analog convention (DAC), external crystal for generating clock
frequency, external programmer for burning codes into the Microprocessor, separate power supply for
supplying 5V and ground to the Microprocessor etc. On the order hand, Arduino Mega is designed to
incorporate ATMEL Microcontroller, ADC, and DAC, crystal for generating clock frequency, inbuilt 5v and
ground as one component. Thus we save time and space needed to construct devices. Arduino Mega can be
used in embedded project like the Microwave, washing machine, toys, automobiles, wireless remote control
etc. where Automation is needed. It also recommended for 3D printer and robotics projects with its 54 digital
I/O pins, 16 analog inputs, and large space.

1. High Endurance Non-Volatile Memory Segments

 Write/Erase Cycle: 10,000 Flash

2. Atmel QTouch library support

3. JTAG ( IEEE std. 1149.1 compliant)interface
4. Peripheral Features

 Real-time Counter with Separate Oscillator

 Programmable Watchdog Time with Separate On-chip Oscillator
 On-chip Analog Comparator
 Interrupt and Wake-up on Pin Charge

5. Other special features

 Power-on Reset and Programmable Brown-out Detector
 Internal Calibrated Oscillator
 External and Internal Interrupt Sources
 Six Sleep Modes: Idle, ADC noise Reduction, Power-save, Power-down, Standby, and
Extended Standby

Page 6
 Figure 1. Arduino mega 2560
3.2.3 Features/Specification
 Operation voltage: 3.3 -5V
 Input voltage (recommended):7-12V
 Input voltage (limits): 7-12V
 Digital I/O pin: 54 (of which 14 provide PWM output)
 Analog input pins: 16
 DC current per I/O pin: 40mA
 DC current for 3.3V pin: 50mA
 Flash Memory: 256KB, 8KB used by boot loader
 SRAM: 8KB
 EEPROM: 4KB
 Clock Speed: 16MHz

Arduino Mega 2560 is all-around good option. There is no denying that this board brings performance with
the running of an ATmega2560, but it provides a substantial number of I/O pins and program space as well.

Page 7
3.3.3 OVERVIEW OF GLOBAL POSITION SYSTEM (GPS)
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is owned by the US utility that provide users with positioning,
navigation, and timing services. This system is made up of three Segments: the space segment, the control
segment and the user segment. The space segment consists of nominal constellation of 24 operation satellites
that transmit one-way signals that give the current GPS satellites position and time. The control segment
consists of worldwide monitors and control stations that maintain the satellites in their proper orbit through
occasional command manoeuvres, and adjust the satellite clock. It tracks the GPS satellites, uploads update
navigation data and maintains health and status of the user constellation. The user segment consists of the GPS
receiver equipment, which receives the signal from the GPS satellite and uses the transmitted information to
calculate the user dimensional position and time.
3.3.4 GPS Module (NEO-6M GPS CHIP AND ANTENA)
The module measures less than the size of a postage stamp but packs a surprising amount of features into its
little frame. It can track up to 22 satellites on the 50 channels and achieves the industry’s highest level of
sensitivity i.e.-161 Db tracking, while consuming only 45mA supply current. Unlike other GPS module, it can
do up to five location updates a second with 2.5m Horizontal position accuracy. The U-box 6M positioning
engine also boasts a Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) of less than 1 second. One of the best features the chip provides
is Power Save Mode (PSM). It allows a reduction in system power consumption by selectively switching parts
of the receiver ON and OFF. This dramatically reduces power consumption of the module to just 11mA
making it suitable for power sensitive application like GPS wristwatch. The module supports baud rate from
4800bps to 230400bps with default baud of 9600.
3.4.4 FEATURES/SPECIFICATION
 Receiver type: 50 channels, GPS L1 (1575.42Mhz
 Horizontal Position Accuracy: 2.5m
 Navigation Update Rate: 1Hz(5Hz maximum)
 Capture Time: cool start: 27sHot start: 1s
 Navigation Sensitivity: -161dBm
 Communication Protocol: NMEA, UBX Binary, RTCM
 SERIAL Baud Rate: 4800-230400 (default 9600)
 Operating Temperature: -40oC to 85oC
 Operating voltage 2.7 to 3.6V
 Operation Current: 45mA
 TX/RXD Impedance: 510

Page 8
 Figure 2. Ublox Nex-6M

An EEPROM together with battery helps retain the battery backed RAM (BBR). The BBR contains clock
data, latest position data (GNSS orbit data) and module configuration. However, it is not meant for permanent
data storage. The battery is automatically charge when power is applied and maintains data for up to two weeks
without power. The NEO-6M GPS module has four pins that interface it to the outside world.
3.4.5 OVERVIEW OF GENERAL PACKET RADIO SERVICES (GPRS)
General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) is Packet –based wireless communication service that promises data
rate from 56 up to 114 kbps and continuous connection to the internet for mobile phone and computer users.
GPRS is based on Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication and complements existing services such
circuit-switched cellular phone connection and the Short Message Service (SMS). GPRS also complements
Bluetooth, standard for replacing wired connection between devices with wireless radio connections. In
addition to the Internet Protocol (IP), GPRS supports X.25, a packet-based protocol that is used mainly in
Europe. GPRS is an evolutionary step towards Enhance Data GSM Environment (EDGE) and Universal
Mobile Telephone Service (UMTS)

3.5.5 GPRS SIM900 MODULE

The GPRS SIM900 module is a breakout board and minimum system of SIM900 Quad-band/SIM900A Dual-
band GSM/GPRS module. It can communicate with controllers via AT Command (GSM 07.07, 07.05 and
SIMCOM Enhance AT Command). This module supports software power on and reset. The GPRS Shield
provides you a way to communicate using GSM cell phone network. The shield allows you to achieve SMS,
MMS, GPRS and Audio via UART by sending AT command. SIM900 is a quad band modem being able to
operate in 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz band as compare to SIM900A, which is a dual band GSM modem
being able to operate only in 900 and 1800 MHz band, and the SIM900A can only be used in Asia, as it is
Region locked to Asia markets.

Page 9
 Figure 3. GPRS SIM900

3.5.6 FEATURES/SPECIFICATION
 Quad-Band 850 / 900 / 1900 MHz would work on GSM network in all countries across the world.
 GPRS multi-slot class 10/8
 GPRS mobile station class B
 Compliant to GSM phase 2/2+
 Class 4(2 w at 850 / 900 MHz)
 Class 1(1 w at 1800 / 1900 MHz)
 Control via AT commands: standard commands: GSM 07.07 and 07.05 – Enhanced Commands:
SIMCOM AT Commands.
 Short Message Service: so that you can send small amounts of data over the internet (ASCII or RAW
hexadecimal).
 Embedded TCP/UDP stack: allows you to upload data to web server.
 RTC supported
 Selectable serial port
 Speaker and Headphone jacks
 Low power consumption: 1.5mA(sleep mode)
 Industrial Temperature Range: -40oC to +85oC

3.6.6 Application
 M2M (Machine 2 Machine) Application
 Remote control of appliance
 Remote Weather station or a Wireless Sensor Network
 Vehicle Tracking System with GPS module

Page 10
3.6.7 XBEE MODULE
XBee is a module produced by a Digi international mainly used as a Radio Communication Transmitter,
Receiver and Transceiver. Mesh Communication protocol sites on top of IEEE 802.15.4 ZigBee standard.
XBee supports peer-to-pear as well as point to point network Communication Wirelessly with the speed of
250Kb. Two types of XBee standards were designed based on low cost and low power. XBee and XBee-PRO
modules were engineered to meet ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 Standards and support the unique needs

Of low-cost, low-power wireless sensor networks. The modules require minimal power and provider reliable
delivery of critical data between devices. The modules operate within the ISM 2.4GHz frequency band and
are pin-for-pin compatible with each other.

Figure 4. XBee module

XBee Range
 Indoor/Urban: up to 100’(30m)
 Outdoor line-of-sight: up to 300’(100m)
 Transmit Power: 1mw(0dBm)
 Receiver Sensitivity: -92dBm

Page 11
XBee Pro Range

 Indoor/Urban: up to 300’(100m)
 Outdoor line-of-sight: up to 1 mile(1500m)

 Transmit Power: 100mw(20dBm) EIRP

 RECEIVER Sensitivity: -100dBm
 RF Data Rate: 250kps

Advanced Networking & Security

 Retries and Acknowledgements
 DSSS (Direct Sequence Spectrum)
 Each direct sequence channels has over 65,000 unique network addresses available
 Point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and peer-to-peer topologies supported
 128-bit Encryption

3.7.7 Applications of XBee

 Industrial Automation: in manufacturing and production industries, a communication link
continually monitors various parameters and critical equipment’s. Hence, XBee considerably reduce
this communication cost as well as optimizes the control process for greater reliability.
 Home Automation: ZigBee is perfectly suited for controlling home appliances remotely as a lighting
system control, appliance control, heating and cooling system control, safety equipment operations and
control, surveillance, and so on.
 Smart Metering: ZigBee remote operations in smart metering include energy consumption response,
pricing support, security over power theft, etc.
 Smart Grid Monitoring: XBee operation in this smart grid involve remote temperature monitoring,
fault locating, reactive power management, and so on.

Page 12
Specifications:

Table 1.1

Electrical Characteristics:

Page 13
Table1.2

Page 14
 CHAPTER FOUR
4.1.0 System implementation
This section describes how the various components such as the Arduino Uno, LCD, capacitors, resistors, diodes,
transistors, and LED mounted on a breadboard and soldered on the dotted board.
In developing the software, the program for the Arduino Uno were written in Embed C programming.
4.1.1 SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAMS
4.1.2 The block diagram of the Transmitter

XBee
Model

12v Battery

Arduino Uno
Solar panel Microcontrol XBee shield
Power supply Charge ler
controller

Boost

Convecter

Figure 5
Block diagram of the transmitter section.

Page 15
4.1.3 The block diagram of the Receiver

LCD
Display

XBee
GPS Model

Boost Arduino
Solar panel Uno
Convector Battery
Power Microcont
supply roller
XBee
Charge shield
controller

GPRS

Figure 6
Block diagram of the receiver section.

Page 16
4.1.4 SYSTEM HARDWARE DIGSIN
Proteus8 professional was used to draw the circuit diagram

Figure 7

Page 17
4.2.0 SOFTWARE DESIGN
4.2.1 The flow chart talks about how the project is implemented

Start

Initializing Arduino Uno

GRPS, GPS, XBee and LCD

NO If there is
vegetation
intrusion
YES

XBee generate RSSI

Arduino send
commands

GPS send GRPS send

coordinates massage

Stop

Page 18
4.2.2 CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE
The following steps were taken to ensure the successful construction of the project:

 Simulation of the completed circuit.

 Programming of the Arduino Uno, GPS, GPRS AND XBee.

 Mounting of the various components on the dotted board.

 Soldering

 Testing of the completed circuit.

4.2.3 HOW THE DEVICE IS MOUNTED ON THE POLES

After the installintion of the tranmitter and the reciever defferent distances were taken to visualise the Rate of
Signal Strenght Indicator (RSSI). Below is the table of the distaces and their RSSI recorded.
while installing a wireless communication system, it is important to keep an elliptical region called the fresnel
zone between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna free from any obstruction for the proper functioning
of the system.

Figure 1.6

Page 19
 Figure 1.7

20% Fresnel zone blockage 40% Fresnel zone blockage

Figure 1.8 Figure 1.9

Page 20
 CHAPTER FIVE
5.1.0 RECOMMENDATION
For further studies on this project, we recommend that;
 Interested student should do further studies into providing long range communication Radio frequency
(RF)

5.1.1 CONCLUSIONS
• The design present a simple method of monitoring vegetation along the route of power lines
• It is cost effective and environmentally friendly
• It very useful in areas where areas high reliability of power supply is required.

REFRENCES
[1] J. AHMAD; A. S. MALIK and N. ASHIKIN. Vegetation Encroachment Monitoring for Transmission Lines Right-
of-ways: A Survey. Electric Power Systems Research, Vol. 95, pp. 339 - 352, 2013.
[2] D. LOUIT; R. PASCUAL and D. BANJEVIC. Optimal Interval for Major Maintenance Actions in Electricity
Distribution Networks. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, Vol. 31, Issues 7-8, pp. 396 - 401,
2009.

[5] R. K. AGGARWAL et al. An Overview of the Condition Monitoring of Overhead Lines. Electric Power Systems
Research, Vol. 53, No. 1, pp. 15 - 22, 2000.
[6] R. K. AGGARWAL et al. Vegetation Management Solution for High Voltage Transmission Lines. Letter of Energy
Currents, 2004.
[7] B. HOOPER and T. BAILEY. Aerial Surveys Calculate Vegetation Growth. Transmission & Distribution World,
2004.
[8] D. I. JONES. Aerial Inspection of Overhead Power Lines using Video: Estimation of Image Blurring due to Vehicle
and Camera Motion. IEEE Proceedings: Vision, Image and Signal Processing, Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 157 - 166, 2000.
[9] M. G. M. JARDINI et al. Information System for the Vegetation Control of Transmission Lines Right-of-way. IEEE
Lausanne Power Tech, pp. 28 - 33, 2007.
[10] S. J. MILLS et al. Evaluation of Aerial Remote Sensing Techniques for Vegetation Management in Power-Line
Corridors. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Vol. 48, No. 9, pp. 3379 - 3390, 2010.

Page 21
Page 22