Automatic Transfer System Explained in Details - EEP

Automatic Transfer System Explained in Details | EEP
Automatic Transfer System Explained in Details (Part 1)
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Operational Requirments of Automatic Transfer System (photo credit: bernini-design.com)
The Role of the Automatic Transfer System

Using the basic building blocks of utility power, system topology, on-site generation, and
uninterruptible power supplies, the basic role of the automatic transfer system may now be
defined.
In this role, the Automatic Transfer System must display the following
characteristics:
http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/automatic-transfer-system-explained-in-details-part-1#manual-mode[14/03/2016 00:25:27]
1. Robustness it must operate as intended, even under abnormal power

systemconditions, without human intervention. Just as importantly, it must be able to
distinguishwhen a system condition does not warrant transfer to the alternate power
source.
2. It must be able to control the switchgear as required and, additionally, must be
able topass the proper signals to the alternate power source if necessary (for
example, to signala generator when to start.
Simply stated, the role of the automatic transfer system is to

provide the automatic transfer of power for its associated
load group from a normal power source, such as a utility
service, to an alternate power source, such as standby
generation, in the event the normal source fails.
Example System Description

To fully illustrate the operational requirements ofa typical automatic transfer system, a
more detailed representation of the system is required. For this purpose, the main-main
topology arrangement used, but with the details of the automatic transfer system shown:
Figure 1 Main-Main Automatic Transfer Scheme Detail
In Figure 1, the automatic transfer logic provides the decision-making for what
automaticoperations are to happen, and when. It controls the operation of the two transfer
circuit breakers,CB-UM and CB-GM, and receives status inputs from those breakers. It
also can initiategenerator startup for the alternate power source.
Undervoltage (device 27) and negative sequence voltage

(device 47) relays on each power source give the transfer
logic indication oftheir condition. In addition, a frequency
relay (device 81) is present for frequency indication of the
alternate power source.

Voltage transformers, or VTs, step the system voltages down toinstrumentation levels that
can be used by these relays. A user interface allows the adjustment ofcertain operating
parameters of the system, and updates the user onthe status of the system.
Using this example system, the operational requirements of a typical automatic
transfer systemwill be examined.
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Modes of Operation //
An essential requirement of anyautomatic transfer system is the ability to have different
modes ofoperation. In a given mode of operation, the transfer system will respond in a
given way tochanging system conditions. For a different mode of operation, the transfer
system will responddifferently.
Two basic modes of operation, which any automatic transfer system must have, are:
1. Manual Mode
2. Automatic Mode
In the manual mode, the automatic transfer system does not perform any automatic
operations, i.e., it does not respond to changing system conditions. All circuit breaker
operations must bemanually performed. Conversely, in the automatic mode of operation
all operations, with a fewemergency exceptions, are automatic, and the system will
respond automatically to changingsystem conditions.
On the surface, this appears to be a simple arrangement, and to some extent this is true.
Good ATS design //

However, good automatic transfer system design has well-thought-out mode

logic that answersthe following questions:
1. Can the system be placed into automatic mode if system conditions are not
correct (forexample, if an automatically-controlled circuit breaker is in the
withdrawn position or notpresent in the circuit breaker cell)?
2. What manual operations are allowed in automatic mode (for example, manual
opening ofcircuit breakers)?
3. What happens if an allowed manual operation is performed on an
automaticallycontrolled device (for example, if an automatically-controlled circuit
breaker is manuallytripped or trips due to a fault)
Such questions are not always easy to answer. In fact, they necessitate, in a well-designed
automatic transfer system, the inclusion of a third mode of operation, typically known as
auto mode failure.
The three modes of operation then typically work as follows:
1. Manual mode
2. Automatic mode
3. Auto mode failure
1. Manual Mode
Selected via a selector switch position or other pre-determined user inputvia the user
interface. No automatic operations occur.
Go back to ATS Operation Modes
2. Automatic Mode //
Selected via a selector switch position or other pre-determined userinput via the user
interface. Attempting to enter automatic mode if the system conditionsare not correct
places the system into Auto Mode Failure.
In Automatic Mode, operationsfor certain circuit breakers

(such as main and tie circuit breakers) are automatic,
howevermanual tripping (or breaker trip due to a fault) of
automatically-controlled circuit breakersis allowed. Such
manual or fault-driven operations will result in the system
being placedinto Auto Mode Failure.
3. Auto Mode Failure //

No automatic operations occur. For automatically-controlled circuitbreakers, only
manual tripping (or trip due to a fault) is allowed. To leave this mode ofoperation, the
system must be placed into manual mode.
This arrangement provides a high level of security for the transfer scheme,
i.e., undesired ornuisance operations are minimized, enhancing safety,
maintainability, and reliability of thesystem.
Of necessity, to make this mode logic arrangement function properly the breaker status
mustconsist both of breaker open-closed indication and, for drawout circuit breakers,
circuit breakercell switch indication.
Circuit breaker cell switches are a feature which must not be overlooked asthey are
essential for the proper function of an automatic transfer scheme with drawout
circuitbreakers. For the same reason overcurrent trip switches for low-voltage circuit
breakers orlockout relays for medium-voltage circuit breakers are also required.
Another question that frequently arises is that of a test

mode of operation. While this could bemade into a separate
mode of operation, this is usually most expediently handled
via voltagefailure simulation test switches whilethe system is
the automatic mode.

Will be continued soon
Reference // Critical-Power Automatic Transfer Systems Design and Application by Bill

Brown, P.E., Jay Guditis, Square D Critical Power Competency Center
Local Electrician
Professional, Reliable Electrician Perth suburbs, Call Ben 0405404825
Ads by
Circuit Breaker
Transfer Switch
Automatic Switch
Generator System
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Article Tags //
Filed Under Category //
alternate power source, ats design, auto mode failure,
Energy and Power Protection
automatic transfer power, automatic transfer scheme,

automatic transfer system, circuit breaker,
About Author //
Edvard Csanyi
Edvard - Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP.
Highly specialized for design of LV high power busbar trunking
(<6300A) in power substations, buildings and industry fascilities.
Designing of LV/MV switchgears.
Professional in AutoCAD
programming and web-design.
Present on Google+
2 Comments
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I need improve my knowledge in schnider electric products and basic

information
Srinivas
NOV 23, 2015
(reply)
please provide list of components,brand names,model,type,ratings etc

used in this ATS
Sinnadurai
Sripadman
(reply)
NOV 20, 2015
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Automatic Transfer System Explained in Details | EEP

Automatic Transfer System Explained in Details (Part 1)

Operational Requirments of Automatic Transfer System (photo credit: bernini-design.com)

The Role of the Automatic Transfer System