Static Transfer Switch - Ideal Solution Across A Spectrum of Applications

01/10/2018 Static Transfer Switch: Ideal Solution Across a Spectrum of Applications
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Static Transfer Switch: Ideal Solution Across a Spectrum of Applications
In automotive components assembly line in Detroit, a customer service

operation in Florida, an R&D lab in Baltimore, telecommunications and E-
commerce rms, manufacturers, o ce buildings, industrial parks â€“ all
stand to be crippled at any moment by a common, everyday event. All are
threatened by a sag, a swell or a momentary aberration in the electric
power supply.
Wes Spencer | Aug 07, 2001
      
In automotive components assembly line in Detroit, a customer service

operation in Florida, an R&D lab in Baltimore, telecommunications and E-
commerce firms, manufacturers, office buildings, industrial parks – all stand to
https://www.ecmweb.com/power-quality-archive/static-transfer-switch-ideal-solution-across-spectrum-applications 1/17
commerce firms, manufacturers, office buildings, industrial parks all stand to
be crippled at any moment by a common, everyday event. All are threatened by a
sag, a swell or a momentary aberration in the electric power supply.
Over the years, numerous power quality solutions have been developed to avert
– or more to the point – to avoid the inevitable power incident. However, no
solutions are more practical, more economical or more reliable in the broadest
spectrum of applications than the new generation medium voltage static transfer
switch (STS). Capable of transferring megawatts in microseconds, the STS is an
essential power quality solution that protects critical operations, automated
lines, telecommunications, computer networks and sensitive equipment from
aberrations in the power supply.
Building on Proven Technology
The fundamental technology of an STS has been used for nearly thirty years in
low voltage configurations, typically under 480V. The mid-1990s yielded new
developments in silicon technology and, consequently, saw the introduction of
larger static switches with the capability of handling larger loads while operating
at voltage levels up to 38kV.
The function of the STS is to maintain electrical power to a critical load by

switching between two relatively independent voltage sources. Whenever it
senses a disturbance, the STS automatically transfers electric power supply from
the primary to an alternate feeder. The programmable switch detects
momentary interruptions, outages, sags and swells, and automatically transfers
to the alternate source in as little as four ms. This operation of the switch is
completely transparent to the user (Figure 1.)
Switch Components
While the STS may appear physically different in different applications, it is

typically composed of three main components: (1) two ac thyristor switches, (2)
mechanical bypass switches/breakers and (3) mechanical isolating
switches/breakers. The thyristors enable rapid switching between sources by
first stopping current flow from the preferred source, and then allowing current
01/10/2018
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Static Transfer Switch: Ideal Solution Across a Spectrum of Applications
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to flow from the alternate source. Thus, all transfers are open transitions and the
two sources are never connected to each other. The total detection and transfer
time can vary, from as short as 2.5ms for a loss of voltage to almost 12ms for
voltage swells. This is because the sine wave must reach zero for a thyristor to
stop conducting. In all cases, however, switching time is sufficiently fast enough
to preserve the operation of even the most sensitive customer equipment loads
during distribution system disturbances. Since the requirements for users vary,
the STS is designed to be programmed by the user so that the transfer between
power sources takes place only under the exact specifications and conditions
determined by the user (Figure 2.)
The mechanical bypass and isolating switches/breakers enable the switch to be

bypassed and isolated for routine maintenance, testing, emergency overload or
other specialized system requirements. This is all done without interrupting
service to the customer. The design of the STS also incorporates N+1
redundancy: a modular building block component design for easier maintenance
and internal diagnostics.
Switch energy loss with an STS is considerably less than with many other power
quality solutions. With a 15kV switch, the thyristors provide power dissipation
efficiency between 99.7 to 99.9%. The switch offers on-line efficiency that is
nearly thirty times better than that offered by many UPS systems, which can be
as low as 70-80% efficiency end-to-end. A practical alternative to UPS and
backup generator systems, STSs offer improved system reliability, reduced
downtime and increased productivity.
STS Configurations and Applications
The new generation STS is designed for large loads, with ratings as high as
5,000A for 480V systems and 1,200A for 27kV systems. They also have ample
fault current withstand ratings up to 100kA for 480V, and 18kA for 15kV and for
27kV. The STS is available in either a preferred/alternate or split bus
configuration.
Electromechanical switchgear, which commonly takes anywhere from two to ten

seconds to transfer between power sources, no longer provides the protection

required for most users. Because businesses and industries are dependent upon
computers, telecommunications devices, routers and servers, programmable
logic controllers, and because adjustable speed drives continue to proliferate, the
reliable and virtually instantaneous protection offered by the STS becomes
imperative.
Automotive Plant Application A Ford Motor Company automotive

component plant in Detroit was experiencing numerous electrical incidents – 17
in 1996 alone – that were shutting down lines and affecting Ford’s primary
downstream automobile assembly lines. Because of this recurring loss of
production time, the utility, Detroit Edison, negotiated a special manufacturer’s
contract with Ford. The contract stipulated that any interruptions in power
supply to the component plant would require monetary compensation from
Detroit Edison to offset Ford’s estimated losses.
The utility realized that a comprehensive power quality solution was required,
and a goal of reducing plant disturbances to no more than two per year was
established. Various power quality solutions were investigated and the STS was
selected as the most reliable and practical answer based on the criteria of cost,
delivery and the probability of success. Working closely with the utility, the
switch manufacturer custom tailored the STS to meet the application’s specific
requirements. In November of 1996, an STS was tested and installed at the
Detroit Edison Norway substation. In the first year of service ten disturbances
were averted, saving the utility $360,000 in compensation penalties as
stipulated in the contract. Over a two and a half year period, the Ford plant
experienced only one disturbance, although the feeders serving the facility
suffered over 30 interruptions or sags.
Customer Service Facility Application As part of planning for a new

250,000 square foot customer service facility in Florida, a financial
services/insurance group wanted to prevent frequent disturbances caused by the
Sunshine State’s almost daily thunderstorms. They could not afford to have vital
communications and computer networks shut down during peak business
periods. The developer of the commercial office park had the utility install
multiple underground feeders at the site, so that a dual source of power was
readily available. Conventional mechanical transfer switches could not provide
the level of power quality needed. To prevent corruption of data and
interruption of transmissions, switching had to occur in milliseconds. The utility
determined that a 4,000A, 480V static transfer switch would be adequate for the
facility (Figure 3).
Working with the STS supplier, the building architect incorporated the STS
into the design of the main electrical equipment room. The bypass and isolating
breakers in the STS system are part of the building’s overcurrent scheme, which
eliminated the need for duplicate breakers. The utility installed two 15kV feeds
to the building and two padmount transformers. Either of the sources can be
established as preferred, giving the utility flexibility in the loading of the feeders
in the park.
Since its installation in 1998, the STS has averted several line disturbances and
interruptions, enabling continuous operation of the customer’s computer and
communication network.
Electronics Facility Application The first 38kV STS, the largest currently in
commercial service, was installed at the Visteon facility in Lansdale,
Pennsylvania, on December 14, 1998. Visteon, a manufacturer of automotive
electronics, was experiencing as many as 17 power quality disturbances per year.
Because of the sensitivity of their automated control systems, even the slightest
aberration in the power supply would shut down their operation, threatening
delivery deadlines and productivity.
Working with Visteon, the local utility determined that an STS offered the most
viable solution. The utility system serving the plant is a 34.5kV. Initially there
was some concern about a 38kV switch, since there were no other switches in
service at this voltage. However, based on previous successful STS installations
at other distribution voltages, it was decided to move forward with the project.
The system designed for this application includes a 38kV, 600A, 6kA fault duty
STS in an outdoor enclosure, integrated with a Powercon metal enclosed bypass
switchgear package. Since the switch was installed, the company has not
experienced any further power supply interruptions.
Premium Power Park Application Perhaps the most innovative application

of an STS can be found at the Premium Power Commercial Park in Ohio. The
local utility and developer of the park felt that offering a high quality power
supply to all potential residents would serve as a strong incentive to move
businesses into the park. The installation of the STS was as ingenious as the
premium power incentive. With the assistance of the utility, a 15kV STS was
installed in its own building along the entrance boulevard, which blends in
perfectly with the general landscaping and architectural theme of the park. With
a custom brick exterior, tile roof and windows with shades, the building appears
to be another small office building in the park. Few would guess the attractive
structure houses a large piece of electronic equipment (Figure 4).
The first businesses to join the park were an international bank and a financial
service center. Both businesses rely heavily on computer and vulnerable
communications networks. Thus far, the STS has successfully protected the
businesses, preventing all line disturbances from reaching their operations. Both
the utility and the developer see that the Premium Power Park is proving
successful and are considering plans for similar parks in other areas. As more
utilities, businesses and manufacturers become familiar with the power quality
benefits of STSs, there is certain to be a proliferation of these switches, and even
more innovative applications.
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productivity apps. Her picks for the best apps for those who want to stay up to
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Walead Atiyeh of Maxim Consulting Group said the building automation market can be broken down into four elements:
security, life safety, facility management and building energy management.
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NECA, Walead Atiyeh and Michael McLin of Maxim Consulting Group explored
how IoT-enabled building management systems are reshaping the opportunities
electrical contractors have in the voice/data/video (V/D/V) market.
They believe V/D/V work accounts for one-third of an electrical market

estimated at $120 billion, but said contractors will have to transform their
businesses to capture the more lucrative elements of this business, like servicing
and updating the control and sensor elements of these systems. If they don’t, the
presenters said electrical contractors may be left with less profitable structured
wiring installations. They will miss out on service work that carries a higher
margin and is dependable reoccurring business because many building
automation systems become obsolete after three or four years and need to be
upgraded. “If it is not a third of your business, you are missing out,” said McLin.
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consider starting up or acquiring a mechanical contracting business because
HVAC systems are such a big piece of building automation systems. They also
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Technologies, Emerson, ABB, Rockwell, WEG, and Yokogawa because brands
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Michael Gonzales of Rosendin Electric discussed and showed video examples of

ways the company recently has been using augmented reality and virtual reality
(AR/VR) technologies integrated with building information modeling (BIM) to
check installations and conduct verifications with general contractors in real-
time.
He talked told of the first project on which his team used the technology, where
a GC was able to spot a variance in the neck specified in a vault installation that
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said the company is just beginning to scratch the surface of what it thinks 3D
modeling can do for contractors on the jobsite.
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used by Rosendin, followed Gonzalez with a more detailed description of how
the system works, how it is calibrated to the real site in the field, the capabilities
of his company’s various systems in terms of real-time communications about
installation validations and variances, field coordination, design coordination
and constructability review as well as reducing rework on prefabricated
equipment to a minimum.
“We first introduced this to GCs,” Eslami said in a discussion after the talk.
“They saw the value of it in QA and QC, but electrical contractors saw immediate
value in planning work to minimize variances.”
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on a Sunday morning, but not Jeff Sample. A self-professed ski bum nicknamed
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consulting company based in Bryan, Texas.
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IT veteran, who has a special interest in helping construction companies adopt
new technology via a collaborative, cross-generational approach, enthusiastically
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Blockbuster, Tower Records, Borders Bookstore, or Kodak? Sample’s solution is
simple: Dedicate time to “building mad scientists” (e.g., the Nikola Teslas and
Thomas Edisons of yesteryear, and the Cody Nowaks and Rick Khans of today).
According to Sample, this can be accomplished by implementing the following
five steps.
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President John F. Kennedy’s goal of safely sending a man to the moon before
the technology to do so even existed as a prime example of what defines a
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2. Allocate a dedicated staff and budget.
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and year out the team remains one of the best in the country. That’s because
their process works.”
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technologies, according to Sample.
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augmented reality (AR), 3D printers, smart watches, and smart glasses (like the
Microsoft HoloLens), are the wave of future for the electrical industry.
“Th ibili i ff d b VR d AR l li i l "h

https://www.ecmweb.com/power-quality-archive/static-transfer-switch-ideal-solution-across-spectrum-applications id “F 15/17
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01/10/2018 Static Transfer Switch: Ideal Solution Across a Spectrum of Applications

POWER QUALITY MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

Static Transfer Switch: Ideal Solution Across a Spectrum of Applications

In automotive components assembly line in Detroit, a customer service

Wes Spencer | Aug 07, 2001

In automotive components assembly line in Detroit, a customer service

Building on Proven Technology

The function of the STS is to maintain electrical power to a critical load by

While the STS may appear physically different in different applications, it is

The mechanical bypass and isolating switches/breakers enable the switch to be

STS Configurations and Applications

Electromechanical switchgear, which commonly takes anywhere from two to ten

seconds to transfer between power sources, no longer provides the protection

Automotive Plant Application A Ford Motor Company automotive

Customer Service Facility Application As part of planning for a new

Premium Power Park Application Perhaps the most innovative application

NEMA-Backed Smart Grid Study Passes House Committee

Power Systems World

Power Quality E-Zine

NECA SHOW COVERAGE

Techtopia Returns to NECA

TECH Talks Appeal to Convention Goers

Oct 01, 2018

Techtopia’s brief 18-minute-long sessions on a broad range of new technologies

Our favorite Techtopia presentation so far was Dahlia El Gazzar’s address on

NECA 2018: Mike Eby's Product Picks — Part 1

President Trump Scheduled to Speak at NECA 2018 in Philadelphia

Vintage NECA Photos from the EC&M Archives

3D Visualization Brings a New View to Job Sites

Sign up for the ElectricalZone newsletter.

NECA SHOW COVERAGE

Cashing in on the Building Automation Market

Oct 01, 2018

In the “Electrical Contractor as an Integrator” session on Sunday morning at

They believe V/D/V work accounts for one-third of an electrical market

Related: The Sun, the Stars, and the Moonshot

TAGS: INTELLIGENT BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTION

NECA 2018: Mike Eby's Product Picks — Part 1

Getting in on the Free Giveaways at NECA 2018

Vintage NECA Photos from the EC&M Archives

Techtopia Returns to NECA

NECA SHOW COVERAGE

3D Visualization Brings a New View to Job Sites

Oct 01, 2018

Contractors are beginning to see serious capabilities in the use of augmented

Michael Gonzales of Rosendin Electric discussed and showed video examples of

Techtopia Returns to NECA

Cashing in on the Building Automation Market

The Sun, the Stars, and the Moonshot

Sign up for the ElectricalZone newsletter.

NECA SHOW COVERAGE

The Sun, the Stars, and the Moonshot

Five steps to reaching a seemingly unattainable goal

Oct 01, 2018

Most people would find it difficult to successfully engage an audience at 8 a.m.

In his presentation, “Building a Mad Scientist: Driving Innovation,” the 20-year

Related: President Trump Scheduled to Speak at NECA 2018 in Philadelphia

But to survive in today’s rapidly evolving construction climate, Sample says

Related: NECA 2018: Mike Eby's Product Picks — Part 1

1. Set an audacious goal. Sample calls this “the moonshot.” He used

He went on to stress how he believes technology, such as virtual reality (VR),

“Th ibili i ff d b VR d AR l li i l "h

“The possibilities offered by VR and AR are almost limitless," he said. “For