Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The evolution of technology has significantly impacted the field of electrical

engineering, leading to the development of innovative solutions for efficient power

distribution systems. With the increasing demand for smart and programmable

devices in various industries, there is a growing need for advanced electrical

distribution panels that can adapt to dynamic operational requirements.

The first generation of distribution panelboards includes several fuses for

protecting individual circuits. The fuse in these distribution panelboards must be

replaced once it is blown by a fault condition such as short circuit, earth leakage,

overload, etc. With the advent of circuit breakers, resettable distribution panelboards

with higher load-bearing capabilities became available. The circuit breakers used in

conventional distribution panelboards are based on the principle of thermal bimetallic

lever trip mechanism. The process is slow and may require several minutes to

complete, depending on the level of overload. The slow operation and sometimes,

failure of circuit breakers to close or trip can be attributed to faulty lubrication of the

circuit breaker operating mechanism (Pallam, 2024).

Conventional panelboard serves as an enclosure for multiple circuit breakers.

These circuit breakers are safety devices that automatically interrupt the flow of

electricity when it detects a fault, such as an overload or short circuit (Crilly, 2024).

These breakers are available in various sizes and configurations, allowing them to be

used for different applications and power sources (Roderick, 2021). In this manner,

consumers will be required to buy circuit breakers with different ratings just to meet

1
the standard, in which case, it will be more expensive, especially in the long run. If

this programmable electrical distribution panelboard is constructed, these traditional

circuit breakers will be substituted with a programmable protection device.

However, due to technological advancements, some circuit breakers have been

upgraded with different features, for example, the smart circuit breaker which collects

and monitors electrical system data from circuit and load equipment. Smart circuit

breakers offer the ability to monitor data in real time and remotely manage protective

measures, distinguishing them from conventional circuit breakers (Paye, 2022).

Another example is the most recent circuit breakers that can identify instances of

electrical circuit overloading, where the current surpasses a specific threshold, and

subsequently disconnects the circuit automatically (Leonida, 2023). With such

growing developments of circuit breakers, the urge to create a more advanced

protective device that can be programmed is now intensified.

Since the traditional panels offer minimal control over individual circuits or

dynamic load management because power delivery remains fixed, making it difficult

to adapt to changing needs or implement energy-saving and cost-efficient strategies,

the need for improved panels is needed. Moreover, traditional panels cannot track or

monitor power delivery based on real-time usage patterns, potentially leading to

wasted energy (Staff, 2017).

The aforementioned developments mark an important step towards a new

phase of technological advancements where conventional distribution panels will be

applied with programmable protection devices and integrated sensors to establish an

adaptable configuration. Integrating additional components inside a traditional panel

will increase its capabilities. Removing the hindrance to the development of modern

Building Management Systems (BMS) or smart grid technologies, leading to the

2
establishment of intelligent buildings and having potential benefits of centralized

monitoring and control (Chen et al., 2018). With this futuristic technology, BMS or

smart grids will be adapted easily.

Additionally, the emergence of programmable technology opens new

possibilities for enhancing the functionality and reliability of electrical distribution

systems. By integrating programmable features into the design of the distribution

panel, it becomes possible to customize configurations, automate control processes,

and facilitate real-time monitoring of critical parameters.

Thus, the present research study aimed at revolutionizing conventional power

distribution systems by incorporating programmable features. Traditional electrical

distribution panels have limitations in adapting to dynamic load conditions and

optimizing power flow efficiently. By integrating programmable technology into the

design, the Programmable Electrical Distribution Panel (PEDP) offers a more flexible

and intelligent solution to enhance power distribution management.

Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to design and develop a programmable

electrical distribution panel that will adjust the allowable current setting of the system.

This study aims to meet the following specific objectives:

1. To design and develop a programmable electrical distribution panel

that uses Arduino Nano microprocessor, electrical parameter sensors,

and monitoring devices for real-time monitoring of electrical

parameters such as voltage, current, and power for each branch circuit

connected to the electrical distribution panel.

3
 2. To prove the functionality of the system by testing its capabilities in

responding to and detecting overloads.

3. To obtain the system's accuracy in real-time monitoring electrical

parameters by comparing the system's acquired data with a reference

testing device.

Conceptual Framework

PROCESS OUTPUT
INPUT
· Monitor load current · Real-Time Monitoring of:
· Residential electrical - Load current
· Measure for:
loads - Supply voltage
· Load current - Load current
- Supply voltage - Load power
· Supply voltage · Display overload if
- Load power
· Load power current exceed the limit

Figure 01. Conceptual Framework of the Study

The figure above illustrates the working process of the programmable

electrical distribution panel, wherein residential electrical loads, load current, supply

voltage, and load power, serve as the input data of the study. The process of the study

begins when monitoring and measuring load current, supply voltage, and load power.

Lastly, the output of the research is to come up with a display regarding the real-time

monitoring of load current, supply voltage, load power, and overloading condition.

4
Significance of the Study

This research is deemed significant to the following entities:

The Electrical Engineering Industry. The research study is significant in the

field of electrical engineering as it leverages technological advancements to enhance

the adaptability, efficiency, safety features, and accessibility of the panelboard while

ensuring compliance with electrical standards.

The Electric Consumers/End-Users. This technological advancement

enables consumers to utilize a programmable electrical distribution panel, providing

easy access to their switchboard. This also grants them the flexibility to monitor their

electrical parameters without requiring professional assistance and allows them to

save money by minimizing the purchase of various protective device ratings for their

system.

Educational Institutions. Educational institutions can benefit from the study

by incorporating real-world examples and studies into their curriculum, enhancing the

educational experience for students interested in designing and developing

programmable devices.

Future Researchers. The study creates new ideas, challenges, and

innovations for further improvements. Researchers may incorporate ideas and make

them a reality. The study is at the forefront to provide future tacklers of the topic with

a deeper understanding of how the system works.

Scope and Delimitation

Scope

1. The study will only be limited to residential electrical system applications.

5
2. The system will utilize one main with three branch circuits that have

individual display monitors.

3. The system’s current capacity limit will range only from 1A to 50A.

4. The study will develop a system that can only monitor the residential

electrical system parameters such as voltage, current, and power.

5. The study will develop a system that allows users to control their threshold

current limit for overload monitoring control.

6. The study will develop a system that can only detect overloading for each

branch circuit of the distribution panel and will provide a real-time display

of its condition.

Delimitation

1. The study will not deal with commercial and industrial applications.

2. The study will be limited only to real-time monitoring of electrical system

parameters such as voltage, current, and power.

3. The system will not monitor and analyze energy consumption data.

4. The system will not be able to store or log the data being monitored in the

system.

5. The system’s main protection device will be limited only to overloading

and short-circuit protection, it will not be able to deal with ground fault

current.

6
 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Microprocessor

Fairchild Semiconductors, established in 1957, pioneered the

development of the initial Integrated Circuit in 1959, a milestone in the history

of microprocessors. In 1968, Gordan Moore, Robert Noyce, and Andrew

Grove resigned from Fairchild Semiconductors and started their own

company: Integrated Electronics (Intel). The first microprocessor Intel 4004

was invented in the year 1971. A microprocessor is also known as a central

processing unit in which several peripherals are fabricated on a single chip.

The microprocessor contains components such as the ALU (arithmetic and

logic unit), a control unit, registers, bus systems, and a clock that enable it to

carry out computational tasks. Its primary role is executing a variety of

arithmetic and logic operations, including addition, subtraction, and data

transfer between different locations & evaluating two numbers (Agarwal,

2023). The major advantages of the microprocessor include high processing

speed, small size, low power consumption, and versatility, which allow for the

development of efficient and cost-effective electronic devices.

Additionally, there are many uses of Microprocessor developing

advancement in electrical protection devices one of those products is the

Microprocessor-based MCCBs which utilizes a microprocessor or a

7
 microcontroller to provide intelligent and accurate monitoring of the electrical

system. This intelligent monitoring allows for earlier detection of electrical

faults, enabling the circuit breaker to interrupt the flow of electricity before the

fault becomes severe (2023).

Electrical Sensor

Voltage sensors are tools that can be attached to any number of assets,

machinery, or equipment. They provide 24/7 monitoring, constantly watching

for voltage data that could indicate a problem. When voltage levels are low, it

could indicate a potential problem, while excessive voltage can pose a risk to

other assets. When thresholds are exceeded, alerts are immediately sent to a

centralized computer system (How Does a Voltage Sensor Work? Definition

and Common Uses, n.d.).

Further, a current sensor can identify and quantify the electrical current

flowing through a conductor. It turns the current into a quantifiable output,

such as a voltage, current, or digital signal, which may be utilized in a variety

of applications for monitoring, control, or protection (Current Sensors: Types,

Key Parameters, Performance Comparison, and Common Applications |

Article | MPS, n.d.).

Protection Devices

Electrical protection devices protect electrical equipment and circuits

from damage caused by voltage fluctuations and abnormal currents. They

ensure that the current doesn't exceed the equipment's withstanding current

limit. An example of a protection device is the Circuit Breaker, the very first

8
 circuit breaker was devised in 1879 by Thomas Edison when he came up with

the idea of protecting circuit wiring used for lighting from the common

problems of current overloads and short circuits (Circuit Breaker, 2024). The

advantage of this device in the system is to help ensure the safe and reliable

operation of electrical and electronic systems, increase system availability,

improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of equipment.

Another example of an electrical protection device that also acts as a

switch is called a magnetic contactor. A magnetic contactor is an

electromagnetic device that is capable of interrupting or establishing the

electric current to load. Electromagnetic contactors consist of a magnetic

circuit that includes solenoid coils and springs. When a voltage is applied to

the solenoid coil, an electromagnetic force attracts a movable magnetic core

toward the fixed magnetic core to close the main electric contacts of the

device (Tapia et al., 2020).

Currently, millions of electromagnetic contactors are being utilized,

and electronic switches are unlikely to replace them shortly. This is due to

various factors like their high overload capacity, effective isolation in the

switching gap, and resistance to voltage spikes that could potentially damage

electronic switches (Riba et al., 2011).

Real-Time Monitoring

Real-time monitoring involves providing constantly updated

information on systems, processes, or events. Such monitoring provides

information streaming at zero or low latency, so there is minimal delay

between data collection and analysis. It allows for fast identification of

9
 irregularities, performance challenges, and crucial occurrences. This can

provide quick insight into the system, giving you real-time data, alerts, and

notifications so you can take the timely discourse to deal with any issue

(Barney, 2023).

Related Studies

In a study conducted by by K. Sedhuraman, A. Venkadesan, and M.

Abiraman, entitled “Performance Evaluation of a Smart Integrated Circuit Breaker

Utilizing Raspberry”, the researchers used smart integration of Raspberry Pi and

Arduino Controller to develop a smart circuit breaker. The smart integrated circuit

breaker is a computerized auto re-closer that closes the circuit once any error occurs

within the system and if any fault occurs either on the load side or supply main is

rectified automatically with any external source. The work process is like the

controller senses the current and voltage parameters with the help of sensors and

compares them based on the user’s load intensity level or threshold level in their

locality. SIGCB operates when any of the corresponding component values crosses

the threshold value it automatically trips the circuit and safeguards the user’s

electrical appliances (Pi & Arduino, 2020).

This research is essential in the conceptualization of the study as it provides

researchers with a thorough understanding of how to use microcontrollers and

electrical parameter sensors to integrate them into the operational programmable

electrical distribution panel. Since the focus of this study is on designing and

constructing a programmable electrical distribution panel, comprehending the

function of each component in the described research assists the researchers in

determining the precise components to utilize.

10
 In another research paper titled “Design and Implementation of a Smart

Circuit Breaker for Detecting and Monitoring Electrical Current”, the researchers

built an intelligent circuit breaker based on Arduino and necessary sensors such as

current and voltage sensors with the help of LCD which can print the result of voltage

and current. The intelligent circuit breaker monitors and controls the consumption

current due to various domestic loads or short circuits (Marhoon, 2018). In this

manner, households will be able to track down their load consumption, ergo, giving

them the ability to save money and electricity based on their demand.

This abovementioned study is focused on providing monitoring and control

capabilities that enable users to conveniently access and check their electrical

parameters. Aside from the convenience, this study also provides the researchers with

an idea of how to enhance the safety capabilities of a circuit breaker. Additionally,

this research is crucial for researchers to grasp the significance of incorporating a

display or LCD that presents real-time voltage and current ratings.

Meanwhile, in the study titled “Electronic Circuit Breaker with Rapid

Response Time Designed for Protecting against Electrical Overloads”, the researchers

introduced an electronic circuit breaker (ECB) that has less trip time the circuit

whenever abnormal conditions occur as compared to mechanical or convectional

circuit breakers (Deokar et al, 2017). For protection of sensitive load from short

circuit or overload, the current trip time of the circuit should be very low, and this can

be achieved by ECB (Electronic Circuit Breaker). During a short circuit event, the

current passes through the series component with low resistance, which is detected by

the Electronic Circuit Breaker (ECB).

11
 This study shows that the response time of an electronic circuit breaker is less

than the time it takes in conventional circuit breakers. This study is relevant to the

present study since the researcher’s utilized microcontrollers as circuit breakers, the

study above is also essential for the construction of the project.

According to a research study conducted by K. Sedhuraman, A. Venkadesan,

K Dhivagar, and M. Mugesh, entitled “Performance Evaluation of Smart Intelligent

Circuit Breaker.” A Smart Intelligent Circuit Breaker (SICB) is an automated circuit

recloser or breaker, that isolates the load from the source once a fault occurs. It acts

when the current / voltage component crosses the steady stability value. The stability

metric changes depending on the load capacity or the magnitude of the fault. It

automatically switches on when the supply is regained after a delay time, for instance,

if the supply is blackout for a period and once the supply is regained the circuit

breaker will complete the circuit after a specified delay (Sedhuraman et al, 2017).

This study is relevant to the present study since it provides information about external

sources of power which may be applicable in the design and development of

Another study conducted by Simon W. Pallam, Rilwan Usman, David W

Michael, and Matthew K. Luka presents an electronic distribution board that

overcomes the challenges of conventional distribution boards/circuit breakers such as

arcing, contact bounce, and slow response. The system is designed to protect against

overload and short-circuit faults. It senses a fault when it occurs and trips off the

switching device. It also has a changeover system in it which swaps overpower

between multiple power supplies (Pallam et al, 2024). The system addresses the issues

of traditional circuit breakers, such as slow reaction times, arcing, switch bouncing,

and the need for human involvement. Generally, this study focuses on innovating the

conventional distribution panel to a modern distribution panelboard. Thus, this study

12
provides ideas for the researchers on how to build a programmable electrical

distribution panel that is fast-acting and reliable.

Definition of Terms

To facilitate a better understanding of the study, the following terms are

defined as used in the study:

Circuit breaker. This refers to the main protection device against any

electrical faults, such as overloading and short circuits. This electrical protection

device automatically interrupts the flow of electric current in a circuit when it detects

an abnormal condition.

Current Sensor. This refers to a device that measures the flow of electric

current in a circuit. It is used to monitor and detect variations in current levels, which

can help identify potential issues or abnormalities in the system.

Electrical Faults. This refers to the abnormal conditions or malfunctions that

occur within an electrical system. These faults can result in disruptions, failures, or

damage to the system, equipment, or devices.

Electrical System. It refers to the network of components and devices such as

electrical parameter sensors, microprocessors, and monitoring devices.

Load. Any component that is connected in each circuit consumes power or

energy.

Magnetic Contactor. This refers to a magnetic contactor as an

electromechanical switch used in applications that require a circuit “on and off”

process.

Microcontroller. This refers to the control portions of an electronic system

through a microprocessor unit and some peripherals.

13
 Microprocessor. Serves as the brain of the system, which is a type of

computer processor in which both the data processing logic and control are included

on a single integrated circuit or small numbers of integrated circuits.

Monitoring. This refers to the process of observing the condition of the entire

electrical system through the implementation of various components.

Overloads. This refers to the occurrence when too much current passes

through electric wires. The wires heat and can melt, with the risk of starting a fire.

Protection. This means of protecting the electrical system through the use of

fuses or other suitable automatic circuit-interrupting devices for preventing damage to

circuits, equipment, and personnel by abnormal conditions, such as overcurrent, high

or low voltage, and single phasing.

Real-time Monitoring. It is the delivery of continuously updated data about

the electrical systems.

Short Circuits. This happens when an electrical circuit allows a current to

travel along an unintended path with no or very low electrical impedance. This results

in an excessive current flowing through the circuit.

Threshold. This refers to the minimum or maximum allowable value that a

system can hold.

Voltage Sensor. It is a device that measures voltage through its sensing

capabilities. Voltage sensors can measure the voltage in various ways, from

measuring high voltages to detecting low current levels.

Voltage Spikes. It is a sudden increase in the voltage. These are short pulses

of energy on a power line that contain very high voltages that cause the wire to

overheat.

14
19

15
 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The researchers used an experimental research design and conducted actual

testing of the project to gather data. The purpose of performing this study is to create

a system that will allow users to control the threshold current limit of the system’s

protection device depending on the load requirements. The system underwent

overload testing for different threshold current limit settings. The researchers gathered

and analyzed the data derived from the actual test of the project to examine if the

main objectives of the study have been achieved.

Block Diagram

Figure 2 shows the block diagram of the study. As can be gleaned, the AC

source will be supplied to the MCB to deliver power for all the components connected

to the system. Before energizing the system, the user must set the current limit of each

branch circuit depending on the load requirement. As the system is energized the user

will have to manually turn ON the system by pressing the power button to proceed

with its operation. Then, the PZEM sensor will start to measure real-time data from

the load, and it will send all the data to the microprocessor to be displayed on the

monitor. The contactor that serves as the branch circuit breaker will protect the load

when an overload occurs, the different ampere settings of the contactor are pre-

programmed in the Arduino Nano, and the current passing on the contactor is

monitored through the PZEM sensor whenever the load current exceeds the set

current limit of the contactor the supply will cut-off through the relay, and it will be

16
declared as fault (overload). The system has also manual control for safety purposes

such as emergency shutdown for each branch circuit and current limit selection.

Figure 02. Research Block Diagram

System Flow Chart

The system processes the data measured by the sensor and determines the

system condition based on the data derived from the sensor, if the system detects an

abnormal system condition, the Arduino Nano, which is the brain of the system will

command to disconnect the power from the source to isolate the system to protect the

load. Refer to Figure 3.

17
 Figure 03. Programmable Electrical Distribution Panel Individual

Branch Circuit System Flowchart

Data Gathering and Procedure

The researchers utilized the observation method as the data gathering

technique specifically structured observation. The study gathered the essential data

through conducting the actual testing.

18
 To test the accuracy of the system in detecting overloading, the researchers

conducted a series of tests for different threshold current settings. In each test for a

specific threshold current, the researchers connected three different load current

values which are in range and a load current value surpassing the system’s threshold

value. This is to test if the system will remain normal if the load current is in range of

the threshold and if it will detect overloading if the load current surpasses its threshold

value.

Furthermore, to assess the precision of the programmable electrical

distribution panel for real-time monitoring, the researchers utilized another reliable

electrical testing device for comparison purposes that has been calibrated with the

guidance of its specification (Kyoritsu KEW2007R Digital Clamp Meter). A

percentage accuracy test is used to measure the accuracy rate of the real-time

monitoring capability of the system, given by the formula: A=100-[(Tv – Ov) / Tv *

100]. However, since the reference testing device and the system’s sensor have an

accuracy percentage to be considered to calibrate their measured values, then

researchers modified the formula to incorporate the accuracy percentage of both the

reference testing device and the system’s sensor to measure the true accuracy of the

system. Finally, the modified formula is given:

Percentage Accuracy (%A):

Formula: A=100-[(Tv(+accuracy)-Ov(+accuracy))/Tv * 100]

 A is the percentage accuracy (%)

 TV is the true value or theoretical value.

 Ov is the observed or measured value.

19
 The researchers utilized the following tables to present the results of the

different testing procedures.

For overloading response test of the system:

SYSTEM’S OVERLOAD RESPONSE TEST

Threshol
TEST Actual Load Current Condition
d

Overload/
Load 1
Normal

No. of Current Overload/

Load 2
Tests Setting Normal

Overload/
Load 3
Normal

For real-time monitoring accuracy test of the system (voltage/current/power):

Real-Time Monitoring (Voltage/Current/Power)

Reference System Accuracy %

TEST (Accuracy % of the (Accuracy % of the

reference device for system’s sensor for
each parameter) each parameter)

No. of Tests Measured Measured Result (%)

Accuracy of the System Result (%)

Accuracy of the Reference Device:

Kyoritsu KEW2007R Digital Clamp Meter

Parameter Accuracy %

20
 AC Current ± 1.5% (45-65 Hz)

AC Voltage ± 1.2% (45-65 Hz)

Power Voltage × Current

(Note: Neglecting the 85% reference power

factor)

Accuracy of the System’s Sensor:

PZEM-004T-100A

Parameter Accuracy %

AC Current ± 0.5% (0-100 A)

AC Voltage ± 0.5% (80-260 V)

Power Voltage × Current

(Note: Neglecting the 85% reference

power factor)

Software Design

Software that can aid with creating the conditions and easy-to-use is needed

for the programming of electrical distribution panels. Arduino IDE which uses C++

programming language is used to make simple to complex processes and it is famous

for being user-friendly for beginners and professionals. In this prototype, the

researchers made a program based on C++ that can be used with Arduino Nano

Atmega328p and other external components that can help monitor the electrical

parameters and system conditions.

Installation of the System

21
 The system is placed at a residential building in Tacloban City with sufficient

available load that could be used in testing the functionality of the programmable

electrical distribution panel.

Chapter IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Figure 4 illustrates the overall design of the programmable electrical

distribution panel. Each branch circuit uses Arduino Nano as the main processing

unit. The system is powered by a 3.7V battery uninterruptable external supply which

is connected to the TP4056 Charging module for constant charging. Meanwhile, the

PZEM-004T electrical sensor module is connected to the Arduino Nano which

delivers electrical parameter data of the load connected in the system for the OLED

i2c module to display. To continue the operation, the 4-channel solid state relays are

the ones responsible for controlling the Modular Contactors that serve as the branch

circuit protective device. Additionally, the miniature circuit breaker is the main

protection of the system. It delivers an AC source supply to the system. The system is

connected with three pull-up buttons for each branch circuit. The first button is used

to increase the current limit of the branch protective device. The second button is used

as the start/emergency stop/reset button of each branch circuit. Lastly, the third button

is used to decrease the current limit of the branch protective device depending on the

user’s preference.

22
Figure 04. Programmable Electrical Distribution Panel

Overall Circuit Design

23
 SYSTEM’S OVERLOAD RESPONSE TEST

Threshol
TEST Actual Load Current Condition
d

1.45 A
Normal
(Hair dryer mode 1)

2.61 A
1 3A Normal
(Automatic Rice cooker)

3.14 A
OVERLOAD
(Desk Fan + Hair dryer mode 2)

5A
Normal
(Asahi Flat Iron)

7.61 A
Normal
2 8A (Asahi Flat Iron + Automatic Rice Cooker)

8.1 A

(Hanabishi Flat Iron + Kyowa Electric OVERLOAD

Airpot)

8.7 A
Normal
(Asahi Flat Iron + Kyowa Electric Airpot)

9.59 A

(Asahi Flat Iron + Hanabishi Flat Iron + Normal

3 10 A
Desk Fan

11.31 A

(Hair Dyer mode 3 + Hanabishi Flat Iron + OVERLOAD

Automatic Rice Cooker)

4 12 A 10.9 A Normal

24
 (Hanabishi Flat Iron + Kyowa Electric Airpot

+ Desk Fan + Automatic Rice cooker)

11.96 A

(Asahi Flat Iron + Hair Dryer mode 3 + Normal

Automatic Rice cooker)

12.4 A

(Hanabishi Flat Iron + Hair Dryer mode 3 + OVERLOAD

Kyowa Electric Airpot)

13.05 A

(Hanabishi Flat Iron + Kyowa Electric Airpot Normal

+ Asahi Flat Iron)

14.12 A

(Hair dryer mode 3 + Hanabishi Flat Iron +

5 15 A Normal
Washing machine + Kyowa Electric Airpot +

Desk Fan)

15.18 A

(Asahi Flat Iron + Hanabishi Flat Iron + Hair OVERLOAD

Dryer mode 3 + Washing machine)

Table 01. Testing for Tripping Response to Overloading

Table 1 above shows the test of the reliability of the system in case of

overloading in different threshold current limits. To test the system's ability to handle

such load, the desired threshold current limit is set.

25
 Real-Time Monitoring (Voltage)

Reference System Accuracy %

TEST
Accuracy ±1.2% Accuracy ± 0.5%

Test 1 231.6 V (±2.779V) 231.68 V (±1.158V) 99.33%

Test 2 232.2 V (±2.786V) 232.2 V (±1.161V) 99.33%

Test 3 231.5 V (±2.778V) 231.4 V (±1.157V) 99.28%

Test 4 227.4 V (±2.729V) 225.2 V (±1.126V) 98.34%

Accuracy of the System 99.07%

Table 02. Real-Time Monitoring of Voltage Level

Voltage
234

232

230
Voltage (V)

228

226

224

222

220
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4

Reference System

Figure 05. Voltage comparison

Test 1: Test 3:

A=100-[(234.38-232.8)/234.38 * 100] A=100-[(234.28-232.6)/234.28 * 100]

A= 99.33% A= 99.28%

Test 2: Test 4:

A=100-[(234.97-233.4)/234.97 * 100] A=100-[(230.13-226.3)/230.13 * 100]

A= 99.33% A= 98.34%

26
 As illustrated in Figure 5, between the reference device and system device, the

voltage results from tests 1 to 4 shows an accuracy of 99.07%, which indicates the

precise accuracy of the system in monitoring the voltage level shown in Table 02.

Real-Time Monitoring (Current)

Reference System Accuracy %

TEST
Accuracy ±1.5% Accuracy ±0.5%

Test 1 3.7 A (±0.056A) 3.73 A (±0.019A) 99.73%

Test 2 7.7 A (±0.116A) 7.86 A (±0.039A) 98.99%

Test 3 12 A (±0.18A) 12.16 A (±0.061A) 99.67%

Test 4 16 A (±0.24A) 16.19 A (±0.081A) 99.82%

System’s Accuracy % 99.55%

Table 03. Real-Time Monitoring of The Current Level

Current
18
16
14
12
Current (A)

10
8
6
4
2
0
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4

Reference System

Figure 06. Current Comparison

Test 1: Test 3:

A=100-[(3.76-3.75)/3.76 * 100] A=100-[(12.18-12.22)/12.18 * 100]

A= 99.73% A= 99.67%

27
26
Test 2: Test 4:

A=100-[(7.82-7.90)/7.82 * 100] A=100-[(16.24-16.27)/16.24 * 100]

A= 98.99% A= 99.82%

As illustrated in Figure 6, the current results from tests 1 to 4, between the

reference device and system device shows an accuracy of 99.55%, which also

indicates the precise accuracy of the system in monitoring the current level shown in

Table 03.

Real-Time Monitoring (Power)

TEST Reference System Accuracy %

Test 1 856.92 W 857.4 W 99.94%

Test 2 1787.94 W 1803.9 W 99.12%

Test 3 2778 W 2746.9 W 98.88%

Test 4 3638.4 W 3645.9 W 99.79%

System’s Accuracy % 99.43%

Table 04. Real-Time Monitoring of Power Level

Power
4000

3500

3000

2500
Power (W)

2000

1500

1000

500

0
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4

Reference System

28
 Figure 07. Power Comparison

Test 1: Test 3:
27
A=100-[(856.92-857.4)/856.94 * 100] A=100-[(2778-2746.9)/2778 * 100]

A= 99.94% A= 98.88%

Test 2: Test 4:

A=100-[(1787.94-1803.9)/1787.94 * 100] A=100-[(3638.4-3645.9)/3638.4 * 100]

A= 99.12% A= 99.79%

As illustrated in Figure 7, the power results from tests 1 to 4, between the

reference device and system device shows an accuracy of 99.43%, which also

indicates the precise accuracy of the system in monitoring the power level shown in

Table 04.

Real-Time Monitoring

System Reference
TEST
Voltage Current Power Voltage Current Power

TEST1 231.68 3.73 857.4 231.6 3.7 856.92

TEST2 232.2 7.86 1803.9 232.2 7.7 1787.94

TEST3 231.4 12.16 2746.9 231.5 12 2778

TEST4 225.2 16.19 3645.9 227.4 16 3638.4

Table 05. Summary of Testing Results

Table 05 illustrates the summary of results after testing the real-time monitor

feature of the programmable electrical distribution panel for residential applications.

As shown in the table the results derived from the system exhibit only a minimal

discrepancy about the results that have been derived from the reference device. The

results prove that the real-time monitor of the system is accurate, precise, and reliable

29
in monitoring different electrical parameters of the load including voltage, current,

and power.

Battery Duration Calculation

28
Battery Specification:

Twin-parallel 3.7V 4400mAh Li-ion Rechargeable Battery

Components Supplied through the Battery:

 Arduino Nano - 30mA x 4 = 120mA

 LCD Display Module - 2.5mA x 4 = 10mA

 4-channel Solid-state Relay – 300mA = 300mA

Duration (hrs.) = Battery capacity (mAh) / Total Current Consumption (mA)

Total Consumption = 120mA + 10mA + 300mA = 430mA

= 4400mAh / 430mA

= 10.23 hrs.

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 Chapter V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

29

Summary

This project Programmable Electrical Distribution Panel for residential

application upgraded the design features of a conventional distribution panel

commonly used in residential electrical system installation. The application of

advanced technology in the system gives an edge over conventional distribution

panels. The real-time monitoring capability of the system offers a great advantage for

users to be aware of their electrical system condition and parameters. This system

provides the system’s fault notification over the monitor for each branch circuit to

ease electrical troubleshooting procedures. It offers a selection of threshold current

limit protection for different load applications. This eliminates the need to buy

another protection device when connecting additional loads and addresses the gradual

increase of load in residential establishments.

The major objective of this study is to design and develop a programmable

electrical distribution panel that will improve the electrical system's capability

through the application of advanced technology. To improve traditional electrical

distribution panels for residential applications by having the capability to monitor

electrical system parameters and allowing system fault notification for ease of

troubleshooting and circuit fault identification. Also, by having flexibility and

adaptability in a gradual increase of electrical load in the system.

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 Findings

The following findings have been drawn by the study's objective based

on the data acquired following the system's implementation:

1. The Real-time Monitoring of the system was able to read the

electrical parameters of each branch circuit, including, voltage,

current, and power with high accuracy.

2. The reliability of the system in isolating the load from the supply

in case of overloading is completely functional.

3. The users can select the current limit from 1A – 50A for each

branch circuit depending on their load capacity requirement.

4. The monitoring system for each branch circuit is functional in

providing a fault notification display in case of overloading.

5. Users can manually turn off each branch circuit with a push

button, this is for emergency shutdown or maintenance shut-off

situations.

6. The system is equipped with an uninterruptable power supply

battery in case of a power outage, for the system does not shut

down and remains on its users’ preferred settings.

Conclusion

Based upon the result of many testing methods conducted by the researchers,

the functionality of the Programmable Electrical Distribution Panel is concluded to be

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functional and with precise accuracy in real-time monitoring. This system offers great

advancement of capabilities of the traditional distribution panel, real-time monitoring

and fault notification provide awareness for users regarding their electrical system’s

condition which traditional distribution panel doesn’t offer. Flexibility in loading

capacity provides a great advantage for a cost-efficient electrical system in the long

run. In conclusion, the system’s prototype is completely functional and operational.

Recommendations

Based on the results of the study and the challenges that the researchers

encountered as the project progressed, the researchers formulated the following

recommendations:

1. The researchers recommend using a higher-memory microprocessor.

2. The researchers recommend using a larger display module for clearer visibility

of displays.

3. Additional safety features of the system which include ground fault protection.

4. The researchers recommend using different types of relay modules for reliable

functionality.

5. The researchers recommend adding a data logging feature to the system.

6. For system fault notification, implement IoT and GSM technology in the

system.

7. For further research, integrating advanced features like machine learning for

predictive maintenance or self-optimization algorithms could enhance the

functionalities and efficiency of programmable electrical distribution panels.

33
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