Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

An ATS is a device designed to Automatically switch (transfer) between
(2) sources of power to improve the reliability of the electrical supply to
a connected load.

Backup
Source
(typically a
Generator
Supply
(Normally De-
Energized)
G

Primary
Source
(typically a
Utility Supply
or Utility Bus)
(Normally
Energized)
Typical Applications of ATS

Utility and Engine Generator

• Single unit standby applications
are very common

Utility and Utility

• Dual utility applications are
becoming more common

Generator and Generator

• Prime power /
standby application
Typical Application of an ATS:
Utility to Generator Application
Sequence of Operation
1. The Normal source fails.
2. The ATS controller detects loss of voltage or
frequency and initiates a “time delay to start the
Engine-Generator.
3. Upon expiration of the time delay, the ATS de-
livers the engine start signal. The engine will
begin cranking.
4. After 3-15 seconds, the engine starts and
Emergency voltage is available.
5. The ATS controller activates the switch solen-
oid(s), disconnecting the load from the Utility
supply and connecting it to the generator supply.
6. Transfer is complete, and the ATS logic controller
monitors for the return of the Normal source.
7. Upon return of Normal source, a time delay is
initiated to determine if the utility supply is stable
for reconnection to the loads.
8. If satisfactory, ATS logic initiates Retransfer back
to Normal, and a time delay is started to run the
engine generator unloaded for cooldown.
9. At the end of the cooldown timer, the engine stops
and the ATS waits in
AUTO mode for next occurrence.
Types of ATS construction

Knife Twin Twin Power Static

Blade Contactor MCCB Contactor Transfer
Type Type Type Type Type

But, not all ATS perform equally. Making (closing), Breaking (opening)
and Withstand (staying closed) capabilities vary significantly across this
spectrum – with Power Quality implications…
Typical ATS Constructions
Knife Blade

 Typically Non-Load breaking

 Usually Manually Operated (and slow)
 Sometimes motor operated (still slow)
 Low withstand ratings – no arc chutes or vents
 Low endurance ratings = limited life
Typical ATS Constructions
Twin Contactor

 Low cost
 Often very basic controller
 Mechanical/safety interlock often optional
 Motor operator is an add-on device
 Not a True double throw device - possible to close into
both Sources
Typical ATS Constructions
Twin MCCB (Molded Case Circuit
Breaker)

 Fault clearing Coordination issues due to CB trip units

 Complicated/Special construction for 4th-Pole
 Mechanical/safety interlock is an add-on, sometimes optional
 Usually motor operated (1 or 2), often slow
 Usually wide range of withstand ratings (low, med, or high)
 Rated for on-load switching
Typical ATS Constructions
Power Contactor Type (GE Zenith Std.)

(UL 1008)

(IEC 60947-6-1)

 Std. Double Throw mechanism - Inherent mechanical interlock against

closing to both sources
 No add-on interlocks required
 Composition originally design for dual source transfer (including 4th pole)
 Fewer moving parts
 High Withstand Current ratings to allow fault clearing coordination
 Integrated Arc quenching components
 Solenoid Operated (very fast)
Why So Many Different
Types of Switches?
Different applications have different requirements:
hospitals, airports, banks, computer centers,
manufacturing plants, commercial buildings, telecom
sites, prisons, military bases and Governments have
different needs and requirements
Different types of switches for different budgets
There is not a single switch that will meet the
requirements of all applications simultaneously
ATS Types – Non Bypass

Standard Delayed Transition Closed Transition

Transition (With Center OFF Position) (Make-Before-Break Operation)
(No Center Position) NOTE: “OFF” Position indicates NOTE: “P” Position indicates both
Neither Source connected sources paralleled for 5 cycles
What is a Bypass / Isolation ATS?

A Bypass ATS is essentially 2

ATS in parallel
• Both are fully functional
Bypass ATS • One switch is drawout and
(Fixed) used for regular operation
as a normal ATS.
• The other switch is fixed and
used
only as the Bypass ATS
Standard ATS when the regular ATS
(Drawout) is removed for maintenance.
• The twin ATS are mechanically
and electrically interlocked
to prevent accidental
closure of both sources.
Why Bypass / Isolation?
Allows you to perform regular maintenance
without interrupting service
Allows you to remove standard
ATS switch for inspection
Eases time constraints for maintenance:
• You can work off-line at your convenience
ATS Types - Bypass

Bypass
ATS

Standard
ATS

Standard Delayed Closed Transition

(Make-Before-Break Operation)
Transition Transition NOTE: “P” Position indicates both
(No Center Position) (With Center OFF Position) sources paralleled for 5 cycles
NOTE: “OFF” Position
indicates
Neither Source connected
Transfer Scheme:
Standard – Open Transition

• No center position
• Inherent Mechanical Interlock
• Fast contact transfer time
30 - 100msec (< 5 cycles). (No Center
Position)
• Versatile
Used in 80% of all ATS
applications
• Used for:
 General application of “mixed”
loads
 Not suitable for switching large
motor loads (see Delay Transition
ATS)
Sequence of Operation:
OPEN Transition to Alternate Source (Source 2)
Upon failure of Normal Source (Source 1)
Sequence of Operation:
OPEN Transition back to Normal (Source 1) Upon
restoration of Normal Source (S1)
Summary - Transfer Switch vs. Circuit Breaker

An Automatic Transfer A Circuit Breaker (CB)

Switch (ATS) is a is a device:
device:
 Which responds to an:
 Which responds to overcurrent condition
an: under-voltage or
under-frequency
condition  Is designed to Interrupt
 Is designed to fault current
Withstand fault current
Advantages of Power Contactor ATS
Performance
• Long life. Built for safe operation in extreme
conditions
• Only device specifically designed for switching of 2
sources.
• High withstand and overload capability
Safe, double -throw type mechanism with Inherent
mechanical interlock.
• Intelocking of contactors often unreliable, or not
available for >=600A
• Interlocking of CB;s often unreliable, or expensive for
large CB’s.
Fast, Solenoid operated for quick transfer < 5 cycles
• Motorized CB’s can be as slow as 1-2 seconds
Easy inspection & maintenance.
• Easy access for inspection of contacts
• CB’s and Contactors often sealed.
Predictable Operation, mechanically held in last position
without external power supply.
• Some devices will revert to open position upon
removal of power.