IOT-ENABLED CONDITION MONITORING IN POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: A REVIEW OF SCADA-BASED AUTOMATION, REAL-TIME DATA ANALYTICS, AND CYBER-PHYSICAL SECURITY CHALLENGES

Abstract

The evolution of modern power distribution systems has been profoundly influenced by the rapid integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, which enable advanced condition monitoring, enhance operational visibility, and facilitate early fault detection across critical infrastructure. This systematic review investigates the multifaceted role of IoT in transforming conventional Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems into intelligent, interoperable platforms that support automation, real-time analytics, and adaptive control within power distribution networks. Emphasis is placed on understanding how IoT-enabled frameworks leverage embedded sensor networks, communication protocols, and distributed computing to improve the resilience, efficiency, and responsiveness of electrical grids. By incorporating diverse sensor modalities—monitoring parameters such as voltage, temperature, current, and vibration—utilities can shift from periodic inspections to continuous, data-driven monitoring paradigms that offer real-time insights into equipment health and network performance. Recent advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence have enabled utilities to deploy predictive models that analyze historical and real-time data to forecast failures, optimize maintenance schedules, and reduce operational costs. These data-driven models are increasingly embedded into SCADA dashboards and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), empowering operators with enhanced decision support tools and dynamic visualizations. The review further evaluates how real-time analytics platforms—such as Apache Spark and Flink—are integrated into the energy sector to support fast data processing, anomaly detection, and system optimization in both centralized and decentralized grid contexts. In addition to technological benefits, the review also addresses the growing concerns related to cyber-physical security in IoT-intensive power distribution systems. This study synthesizes key findings from literature on cryptographic techniques, intrusion detection systems, secure communication protocols, and regulatory compliance frameworks such as IEC 62443 and NERC CIP. The analysis underscores the imperative of embedding cybersecurity as a core design principle in smart grid development. Ultimately, this review offers a comprehensive synthesis of scholarly advancements, identifies unresolved challenges, and proposes future research directions to guide utility engineers, system designers, and policymakers in developing secure, scalable, and intelligent power distribution infrastructures capable of supporting the transition to sustainable energy systems.