The Circuit Breaker is a device found in an electrical service panel used to safeguard the electrical wiring from an overloaded (overcurrent) condition when exposed to more electrical current than it is designed to handle.
As Similar to an electrical fuse which will blow when overloaded, the circuit breaker will turn off or “trip” when in an overcurrent condition. However, unlike the fuse which is rendered useless when it blows, the circuit breaker is not damaged when it trips, and can be reset.
The project described here is to control a circuit breaker with help of a password only. A password protected keypad is connected to the project to enter the password. Fatal electrical accidents to the line man are increasing during the electric line repair due to the lack of communication and co-ordination between the maintenance staff and the electric substation staff.
This system provides a solution, which can ensure the safety of the maintenance staff e.g. line man. The control to turn ON/OFF the line lies with the line man only. This system has an arrangement such that a password is required to operate the circuit breaker (ON/OFF). Line man can turn off the supply and comfortably repair it, and return to the substation, then turn on the line by entering the correct password.
The system is fully controlled by a microcontroller from 8051 family. A matrix keypad is interfaced to the microcontroller to enter the password. The entered password is compared with the password stored in the ROM of the microcontroller. If the password entered is correct, then only the line can be turned ON/OFF. Activation / deactivation of the circuit breaker is indicated by a lamp (ON/OFF).
This project can also be enhanced by using an EEPROM for user to change the password for a more secured system. It can also be interfaced with a GSM modem for remotely controlling the circuit breaker via SMS.
BLOCK DIAGRAM FOR PASSWORD PROTECTED CIRCUIT BREAKER
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS:
8051 series Microcontroller, Relay Driver IC, Relays, Matrix Keypad, Crystal, Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes, LED, Transformer, Voltage Regulator, Lamps.
SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:
Keil compiler
Language: Embedded C or Assembly
