Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

MARK ANTHONY B. ENOY

BS EE - V
ENGR. KARRLOU C. RODA
INSTRUCTOR
EE 50 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
AND DEVICE
Transfer Switch
A transfer switch is an electrical
switch that switches a load
between two sources.
Manual transfer switch

Automatic Transfer
Switch
Manual transfer switch
- an operator affects the
transfer by throwing a switch.
Automatic Transfer Switch
- An ATS is a device designed to
Automatically switch (transfer)
between (2 or 3) sources of power to
improve the reliability of the
electrical supply to a connected
load.
- It automatically switches when
it senses one of the sources has
lost or gained power. Current
range up to 4000 Amperes.
Automatic Transfer Switch
Operation of an Automatic Transfer Switch

Not only does ATS transfer the
load to the backup generator but
also it commands the backup
generator to start, based on the
voltage monitored on the primary
supply.
Example: ATS installed in homes
In a home equipped with a backup
generator and an ATS, when an electric
utility outage occurs, the ATS will tell
the backup generator to start. Once the
ATS sees that the generator is ready to
provide electric power, the ATS breaks
the home's connection to the electric
utility and connects the generator to the
home's main electrical panel.
Example: ATS installed in homes
Example: ATS installed in homes
The generator supplies power to the
home's electric load, but is not
connected to the electric utility
lines. It is necessary to isolate the
generator from the distribution
system to protect the generator
from overload in powering loads
beyond the house and for safety, as
utility workers expect the lines to
be dead.
Example: ATS installed in homes
When utility power returns for a
minimum time, the ATS will
automatically transfer the house
back to utility power and
command the generator to turn
off, after another specified
amount of "cool down" time
with no load on the generator.


Typical Applications of ATS
Utility and Engine Generator
- Single unit standby applications
are very common

For facilities with a standby power
system and a single utility feed. The
transfer switch senses when utility
power has been lost, sends a start
signal to the standby generator and
transfers the load.
Utility and Engine Generator

Utility and Utility
- Dual utility applications are
becoming more common


For use in facilities with redundant
utility feeds but no standby
generator. If one utility feed fails,
the transfer switch automatically
connects the load to the second
utility feed.
Utility and Utility
Generator and Generator
- Prime power / standby application

For facilities with a prime power
system using multiple on-site
generators. If the primary generator
fails, the transfer switch sends a start
signal to the second generator and then
transfers the load.
Generator and Generator
Three-source system

For facilities with a standby power
system and two utility feeds. The
utility transfer switch controls the
feeds from the two utilities based on a
pre-established priority. If both utility
feeds fail, the generator transfer
switch sends a start signal to the
standby generator and transfers the
load.
ONE STANDBY POWER SYSTEM AND TWO UTILITY FEEDS
Another three source system uses a
standby generator in place of the
second utility (dual standby). If the
utility fails, the first transfer switch
sends a start signal to the primary
standby generator and transfers the
load. If the primary standby generator
fails, the transfer switch sends a start
signal to the second generator set and
transfers the load.
Three-source system :

TWO STANDBY POWER SYSTEM AND ONE UTILITY FEEDS
Open transition TS
Closed transition TS
Soft loading TS
Static TS
Types of ATS Transition
Open transition TS
An open transition transfer
switch is also called a break
before make transfer switch.
A break before make transfer
switch breaks contact with one
source of power before it makes
contact with another.
It prevents backfeeding from an emergency
generator back into the utility line
Backfeeding occurs when electric power is
being induced into the power grid. Power
flows in an opposite direction.
It can cause utility lineman to be
electrocuted as they work in power lines.
Reverse- power relay opens if backfeeding
occurs in the power lines.
Applications: Emergency, code-
required and optional standby
systems; resistive loads; small
motor loads
o Knife Blade Switch
Typically Non-Load breaking
Usually Manually Operated
Sometimes motor operated
Low withstand ratings no
arc chutes or vents
Low endurance ratings
limited life

Open transition TS:
- Is a method of
arc suppression
that extinguishes
arcs by
channeling them
into chambers
above the
contacts.
- arc flash happens when electric current
flows through an air gap between
conductors.
Closed transition TS
A closed transition transfer switch is
also called a make before break
transfer switch.
A make before break transfer
switch makes contact with another
source before it breaks contact with
the interrupted source.
There are some loads, however,
that are affected by even the
slightest loss of power. There
are also 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.
With closed transition
transfer, the on-site engine
generator set is momentarily
connected in parallel with
the utility source.
This requires getting
approval from the local
utility company. The switch
will operate in a make-
before-break mode provided
both sources are acceptable
and synchronized.
voltage difference less than 5%
frequency difference less than 0.2 Hz
maximum phase angle between the
sources of 5 electrical degrees
Typical parameters determining
synchronization are:
- Is the difference between the phase of a
sinusoidally varying quantity and the phase
of a second quantity which varies
sinusoidally at the same quantity.
- Frequency counter is used to measure frequency
Analog Voltage & frequency meter
Digital Generator Frequency & Voltage meter
Closed Transition
(Make-Before-Break
Operation)
NOTE: P Position indicates
both sources paralleled for 5
cycles
Applications:
Critical power
requirements,
including
hospitals and
data centers
Delayed Transition (center off)
- The delayed transition (center off) switch is
especially suited to applications in which large
inductive loads result in large inrush currents.
The delayed transition allows magnetic fields to
completely collapse before reconnection.
- A time delay between the opening of the
closed contacts and the closing of the open
contacts allows large motor loads to
demagnetize before transfer. This prevents the
severe bump caused by switching a rotating
motor (which momentarily acts as a
generator) from one source to another source
that is not in synchronism.
Types of ATS
Construction &
Design
Knife
Blade
Type
Twin
Contactor
Type
Twin
MCCB
Type
Power
Contactor
Type
Static
Transfer
Type
Knife Blade
o Twin Contactor
Switching device having 1 position of rest
Returns to position of rest @ loss power (un-latched type) or
addl latching arrangement to hold position on loss of power
Built using 1 of up to 12 types of contactors under, from
basic contactor to high-capacity motor starters.
Often very basic controller
Mechanical/safety interlock often not available or optional
Variety of operators, from motor to electromagnets
Not a True double throw device - possible to close into both
Sources
Closed transition TS
- contactor type is simpler design that is electrically operated
and mechanically held. It operates faster than circuit breaker
transfer switches, which reduces transfer time.
Twin Contactor
o Twin MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker)
2 Position device, typically operated from add-on motors
Built using 1 of up to 2 types of breaker under, from basic
instantaneous-trip type to short-time rated devices.
Mechanical/safety interlock is an add-on, sometimes
optional
Motor operators usually slow, often unreliable for high duty.
Wide range of manf-assigned withstand ratings (low, med,
or high)
Not a True double throw device - possible to close into both
Sources

Closed transition TS
- circuit breaker type has two interlocked circuit breakers,
so only one breaker can be closed any anytime.
Twin MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker)
o Power Contactor Type
Std. Double Throw mechanism - Inherent
mechanical interlock against closing to
both sources
No add-on interlocks required
Fewer moving parts
High Withstand Current ratings to allow
fault clearing coordination
Integrated Arc quenching components
Solenoid Operated (very fast)
Power Contactor Type
o Power Contactor ATS - Composition

Arc quenching grids & enclosed arc chutes
Movable contact assembly has 2 pieces, arcing contact
and main current carrying contact.
Arcing contacts make first, break last

Silver alloy contacts
Resists welding
Enhanced withstand ratings
Over center switching principal to achieve a
mechanically locked position in either Source 1 or 2
High speed solenoid actuated drive assures contact
transfer in 30-50 msec
Power Contactor ATS - Composition

Static/ Solid-State Transfer Type

The static/solid-state ATS lacks the traditional
mechanical transfer switch. Because this unit relies
on SCR or transistor technology, sub-cycle transfers
are possible. Although there is technically a "break"
in load current, the speed of these units prevents
adverse effects to sensitive equipment.
Static Transfer Type

Two live sources required. Solid-state
switching >> no moving parts
Extremely FAST operation, transfer in
less than cycle.
SCR technology
Typically used on critical loads where 2
reliable and independent power
supplies available, or switching 2 x UPS
Outputs.
Both sources must be in sync
Often cost prohibitive for Standby
applications
N
E
1 2
L
Static Transfer Type
Bypass Isolation Transfer
Allows maintenance to the main
ATS without disconnecting the
load. By having two transfer
switches connected in parallel, the
bypass transfer switch adds
redundancy to the system.
Applications: Critical power and maintenance
requirements, including healthcare and data
center

Essentially (2) ATS in Parallel, (1)
Automatic Switch (ATS) & (1) Manual
Switch (MTS).
ATS is withdrawable, similar to
withdrawable CBs
(2) redundant paths from each source
to load.
ATS & MTS are mechanically and
electrically interlocked
To prevents accidental closure of
both sources
Bypassing power from Source to Load
permits testing or maintenance of ATS
without interruption to load.
Available in Open, Delayed, and
Closed Transition
If power fails while bypassed, Genset
is auto started to permit fast transfer
using MTS.
Bypass Isolation ATS
MECHANICAL
INTERLOCKS
TWO PATHS FROM
SOURCE TO LOAD
WITHDRAWABLE
ATS
FIXED MOUNT MTS
Thank You!



MARK ANTHONY B. ENOY
BS EE 5
CREATIVE MAKER:
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