Utilization Lab 4th year
Automatic Transfer Switch
Automatic Transfer Switch "ATS"
Transfer switches allow switching from a primary power source to a secondary source and are employed in some electrical power distribution systems. Most often transfer switches can be seen where emergency power generators are used to back up power from the utility source. The transfer switch allows switching from utility power to emergency generator power and vice versa. The switch is either a manual switch or an automatic switch. During abnormal conditions like power outage in the utility side, the transfer switches isolate the emergency circuits from the utility and feed it from the emergency generator. Also, ATS can be used in conditions where the utility is operating properly, but there is a need for switching the load from the utility side to the backup generator side, for example during periodic maintenance in utility side.
Figure1: Automatic Transfer Switch Configuration A transfer switch is set up to provide power to critical loads, which requires circuit distribution boards to be divided into critical (Emergency) and non-critical (non-emergency) loads. An example of critical loads will be emergency lighting used in buildings, elevators, healthcare centers & hospitals, control circuits in industrial systems, computer data servers, fire alarm & fire fighting systems.
Utilization Lab 4th year
Automatic Transfer Switch
Types of transfer equipment:
Transfer switches can be categorized into two main groups: 1- Open-transition transfer switch. 2- Closed-transition transfer switch
1-Open-transition transfer switches:
Open-transition transfer switches provide a break-before-make switching action. The connection to one source is opened before the connection to the second source is closed. They are specially designed to transfer power between utility and onsite generators. Mechanical interlocks that prevent interconnection of sources in automatic and manual modes are commonly used.
Advantages of open-transition transfer systems:
- Lowest-cost automatic power transfer option available, due to the simplicity of the control and mechanism needed, and the simplicity of the interface to the generator set. - The open transition ATS panel can be equipped with mechanical interlock that prevents inadvertent utility paralleling.
Disadvantage of open-transition transfer systems:
- During retransfer from the emergency generator to the utility following restoration of normal power or during maintenance maneuvers, i.e. during switching between 2 healthy sources, disconnection of the load is a must (break before make action), which may not be suitable for some applications and annoying for the operators in industrial systems. - During switching action between 2 healthy sources, a fixed open time is needed to allow the arc developed on opening the contacts to decay. Typically this time requirement is approximately five electrical cycles. - In applications with motor loads, open-transition transfer switches need to keep the load disconnected for a certain amount of time, from one-half to three seconds, to
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Utilization Lab 4th year
Automatic Transfer Switch
allow the residual voltage present at the motor terminals to decay. This feature is called programmed transition or delayed transfer.
2-Closed-transition transfer switches:
Closed-transition transfer switches provide a make-before-break switching action and utilize a momentary paralleling of both sources (<100milliseconds) during the transfer period, provided both sources are acceptable (healthy) and in synchronism. Closed-transition transfer switches are operated as open-transition transfer switches, break-before-make sequence, when switching from a failed source to a live source, and as a closed-transition, make-before-break sequence, when transferring between two live healthy sources. There are operational conditions where it may be desirable to transfer loads with zero interruption of power when conditions permit. For these applications, closed transition transfer switches can be provided. Closed transition transfer switch requires sync-check relay for synchronization of the sources. A closed transition transfer switch (CTTS) is not a substitute for a UPS (uninterruptible power supply).UPS has a built-in stored energy that provides power for a prescribed period of time in the event of a power failure. A CTTS only assures there will be no momentary loss of power when the load is transferred from one live power source to another.
Advantages of closed-transition transfer systems:
They prevent momentary breaks in power during generator set testing and when closing back to a restored utility source, and hence makes codemandated monthly testing less objectionable.
Disadvantages of closed-transition transfer systems:
Closed transition transfer switches do not include mechanical interlocking of sources, making it possible, especially in manual operation modes, to manually
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Utilization Lab 4th year
Automatic Transfer Switch
parallel the sources. This can be very damaging to the power sources or the transfer equipment. Due to its complexity and sync-check relay, closed-transition switching systems are more complex and expensive than open-transition transfer switches.
Sequence of Operation of ATS
1- Loss of Normal Power
The control circuit continuously monitors the condition of the primary power supply. When an abnormal condition is sensed such as power outage, voltage sags, overvoltage, etc.., a start signal is generated after an adjustable time delay. On receipt of this signal, the generator set automatically starts; also, the primary supply breaker is opened. The generator then accelerates to rated frequency and builds up to the rated voltage. After reaching the rated voltage and frequency on the generator supply terminals the generator breaker is closed.
2a- Return of Normal Power (Open Transfer)
When all of the system start signals are removed (i.e. the primary source is restored), the system will begin retransfer sequence after an adjustable time delay. On completion of the time delay, the generator set transfer breaker will open and, one second later, the utility (primary supply) transfer breaker will close. The generator set will run unloaded for a cool down period. When the cool down time delay expires, the unit will shut down and the system will again be ready for automatic operation.
2b- Return of Normal Power (Closed Transfer)
When normal power is restored, the system will begin retransfer sequence after an adjustable time delay. On completion of the time delay, the generator bus-bar will automatically synchronize with the utility service across the utility transfer breaker using sync-check relay. When the two systems are synchronized, the utility breaker will close and the generator set will gradually transfer all loads to the utility. On completion of the load transfer sequence, the generator set transfer breaker will open. The generator set will run unloaded for a cool down period. When the cool down time delay expires, the unit will shut down, and the system will again be ready for automatic operation.
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Utilization Lab 4th year
Automatic Transfer Switch
Figure2: Open Transition transfer sequence from healthy to healthy source
Figure3: Closed Transition transfer sequence from healthy to healthy source
Utilization Lab 4th year
Automatic Transfer Switch
Experimental work steps: 1- Determine the components (including specifications for its ratings) required to implement open transition ATS power and control circuit assuming it will feed a 40Kwatt inductive load. 2- Draw the control and the power circuit using the components from step 1.
3- Connect the control and power circuit components using the wires available in the laboratory. 4- Use the available digital multi meter to test your connection. 5- Ask the teaching assistant TA to check your wiring before powering up the circuit. 6- Power up the circuit in the presence of the TA, and simulate utility supply power shut down to check that the control circuit works as intended from it. 7- Return the utility supply again and see if the control circuit returned back to supply the load from the main contactor path or not.
Utilization Lab 4th year
Automatic Transfer Switch
Report: 1- Determine the components (including specifications for its ratings) required to implement closed transition ATS power and control circuit assuming it will feed a (..) Kwatt electric heaters. 2- Draw the control and the power circuit using the components stated above and illustrate in steps how it operates. 3- You must write in your report all reasonable assumptions you have taken in to your account. 4- Report must be delivered within 2 weeks starting from your lab attendance date; it must be delivered hand by hand.
Utilization Lab 4th year
Automatic Transfer Switch
ATS Power Circuit
Utility
A B C
A
Voltage & Frequency Monitoring Relay
A B C
Voltage & Frequency Monitoring Relay
A B C
C.B.
A B C
D.G V.M.R 2
Generator
A B C
V.M.R 1
A B C
K1
A B C
K2
Legend
A B C
Km
A B C
Normally closed contact Normally open contact Coil Indication Lamp
Motor
start
Open transition ATS Control Circuit
If primary supply is faulty
V.M.R 1 T1 T2
220 V
If primary supply is healthy
V.M.R 1
If 2nd supply is healthy
V.M.R 2
If 2nd supply contactor is off
K2
If primary supply contactor is off
K1
Indication Lamp
Contactor1 Coil
neutral
Start
T1
K1
Start Gen
Contactor2 Coil
T2
K2
