Automatic Transfer Switch

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar technological University,

Lonere, Raigad,

A Project Report

“AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH”

Submitted by
Malode Pawan Ambadas
Pradip Bhaskar Gaikwad
Dhananjay Sunil Neel
In partial fulfillment of
Bachelor of Technology (Electrical Engineering)
Guided By

Prof. - P. A. Kale
Department of Electrical Engineering

Aurangabad College of Engineering

(2022- 2023)

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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar technological University,

Lonere, Raigad,

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr. Pawan A. Malode, Mr. Pradip B.Gaikwad, Mr. Dhananjay S.
Neel has successfully completed project work on “Automatic Transfer Switch” at Aurangabad
college Of Engineering in the academic Year 2022-2023 Semester – Seven or the partial
fulfillment of Bachelor of Technology (Electrical Engineering) Degree of Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Raigad.
Place:
Date:

Prof. P. A. Kale Prof. P. A. Kale

Guide Head of Department
Dept. of Electrical Engineering Dept. of Electrical Engineering

Dr. D. K. Gupta
Campus Director
Aurangabad College Of Engineering, Aurangabad

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Introduction

ATS panels (or automatic transfer switch panels) are used in combination with standby
generators to automate the switch between the mains power source and a generator in a blackout.

An ATS panel ensures that you do not have to manually switch to an alternative power
supply, such as a backup generator in the event of a power outage. An ATS will automatically
switch to another power An ATS panel ensures that a generator doesn’t require manual operation.
When combined with a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) there will be a seamless supply of
power as the UPS will bridge the gap in power whilst the generator starts up, reducing the risk of
data loss, damage to electrical equipment, or any disruption to a business or facility. Without a
UPS, there will be approx a 15 second delay in power as the generator starts up.

The ATS panel monitors the incoming AC mains supply so that, should there be a blackout,
the electrical load is transferred to the standby generator. When the mains power is restored, the
ATS transfer switch then returns the building back to the mains supply, and shuts down the backup
generator.

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Using an Automatic Transfer Panel for Safety Reasons:

An automatic transfer switch or manual transfer panel is installed as part of any generator
project where there is a mains supply.
The benefit of an automatic transfer panel system over a manual system is the ATS panel
moves the electrical load without any manual process, reducing downtime. In the event of a
power outage the transfer switch automatically switches its incoming power supply from the
mains to the generator, triggering the generator to start up. The generator is ready to take load
within approx. 15 seconds.
Without ATS switches, organizations would have to manually change over from mains to
the generator and therefore suffer a longer break in electricity and depend on personnel being
available to carry out this task. An automatic transfer switch panel will eliminate this need for a
manual change.
Difference between ATS and AMF Panels.
Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and Automatic Mains Failure (AMF) panels both
switch an electrical load from normal supply to a standby generator supply, and back to the
mains when required and are in effect just different terminology for the same thing.

Importance of automatic transfer switch ATS panel.

A transfer switch (either manual or automatic) is required in every country when installing a
generator at premises with a mains supply. It is required by law for good reason. A transfer
switch avoids:
 The mains power coming into contact with the generator, which would almost certainly burn
out if this happened.
 It stops the generator from back feeding the mains when its failed, endangering the lives of
electricity utility workers.
In terms of importance, both the manual and automatic switch perform the same function,
however the automatic transfer switch ATS panel does the process automatically, saving time
and reducing the power outage length.

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Wiring Diagram of ATS Control Panel:

Contactor based ATS panel work.

There are various designs of ATS panel. Typically, a mains failure relay is fitted in an electrical
enclosure, with two contactors. The contactors are mechanically and electrically interlocked.
This means there is a mechanical device, called an interlock that ensures the two contactors
cannot be closed at the same time. The contactors need electrical power to close (you can get
both DC and AC types).

The electrical interlock is designed in the circuitry, to prevent the contactors from energizing at
the same time. While the mechanical interlock should stop both of them closing even if this were
to happen, this secondary circuit is an added protection. Usually, a closed contact is fitted to each
contactor. These contacts, normally (i.e. when the contactor is not energized) are closed. When

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the contactor is energized, they open. If you have two contactors, A and B, the circuit to close
contactor A is wired through the auxiliary of B. Thereby when B is closed, it is not possible to
energize A. The same is true for B, this is wired through the auxiliary of A. This provides the
electrical interlock.

When the mains fails, the ATS sends a remote start (normally volts free) to the generator. The
generator runs up and when at the required power and voltage, the ATS will open the mains
contactor and close the generator contactor. When the mains returns, the generator contactor is
opened and the mains contactor is closed.

Because both contactors are never closed together, even when the mains returns, there will be a
short break in electrical supply as the contactors change over.

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Switching Mechanism:
This is a protective device used for overcurrent protection in a power system. It also
functions as a disconnect switch for isolating live circuits. A circuit breaker is one of the devices
that can safely switch between two sources of power to reduce downtime and outages. The
switching is by mechanically interlocking the two breakers to prevent back EMF and short
circuits and the ATS controller sending a signal to the breaker mechanism.
There are two types of Circuit breakers used in LV ATS panels. They are Molded Case
Circuit Breaker (MCCB) and Air Circuit Breakers (ACB). MCCBs are used for loads 63A to
1600A and ACBs for loads from 800A to 6300A.

Automatic Transfer Switch ATS panels with Mains Detection

Automatic transfer switch ATS panels with mains detection built in monitor the mains supply.
When they detect a mains failure, normally using a mains failure relay, they will disconnect from
the mains and send a signal to the generator to start. Once the generator has started, it will send
an "available" signal back. When the ATS receives this, it will switch to the generator supply.

Automatic Transfer Switch ATS panels without Mains Detection

Automatic transfer switch ATS panels without mains detection need the mains detection built
into the generator or elsewhere. When the generator detects a mains failure, it will send a signal
to the ATS to disconnect from the mains and start automatically. Once the generator has started,
it will send a signal to the generator to start. When it receives this, the ATS will switch to the
generator supply.

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Contactor based ATS panel work:

There are various designs of ATS panel. Typically, a mains failure relay is fitted in an
electrical enclosure, with two contactors. The contactors are mechanically and electrically
interlocked. This means there is a mechanical device, called an interlock, that ensures the two
contactors cannot be closed at the same time. The contactors need electrical power to close (you
can get both DC and AC types).

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 Automatic Transfer Switch

The electrical interlock is designed in the circuitry, to prevent the contactors from
energizing at the same time. While the mechanical interlock should stop both of them closing
even if this were to happen, this secondary circuit is an added protection. Usually, a closed
contact is fitted to each contactor. These contacts, normally (i.e. when the contactor is not
energized) are closed. When the contactor is energized, they open. If you have two contactors, A
and B, the circuit to close contactor A is wired through the auxiliary of B. Thereby when B is
closed, it is not possible to energize A. The same is true for B, this is wired through the auxiliary
of A. This provides the electrical interlock.

When the mains fails, the ATS sends a remote start (normally volts free) to the generator.
The generator runs up and when at the required power and voltage, the ATS will open the mains
contactor and close the generator contactor. When the mains returns, the generator contactor is
opened and the mains contactor is closed.

Because both contactors are never closed together, even when the mains returns, there
will be a short break in electrical supply as the contactors change over.

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Switching Relay Card:

The 2 channel Relay driver project can be controlled by feeding 2-12V trigger voltage,
Very useful project for application like Micro-Controller based projects, Remote controller,
Lamp on Off, and any circuits which required isolated high current and high voltage switching
by applying any TTL or CMOS level voltage. Two LED works as operation indicator while in , 3
pins screw terminals to connect load and provides both normally open and normally closed
switching.
 Input: 12 VDC @ 84 mA

 Output: Two SPDT relay

 Relay specification: 5 A @ 230 VAC

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 Trigger level : 2 to 12 VDC

 Header connector for connecting power and trigger voltage

 LED on each channel indicates relay status

 Power Battery Terminal (PBT) for easy relay output connection

 Four mounting holes of 3.2 mm each

 PCB dimensions 49 mm x 68 mm

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ATS Controller:

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) control products are designed to monitor AC mains supply
for under/over voltage, under/over frequency and voltage instability and forward a start command
on detection of mains supply disproportion. This family of ATS controllers comes with a wide
range of control features and user configurability options.

ATS (automatic transfer switch) controllers help you reduce complexity in terms of hardware,
spacing, and component cost for new builds and retrofits. This is feasible, because our configurable
software allows these applications to run from one controller:

 Utility-to-Generator
 Generator-to-Generator

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 Utility-to-Utility

This also includes delayed and closed transition modes, among other typical ATS-specific
features. By using Woodward products, you can handle all ATS-relevant features by ordering
one single device, which provides maximum value for your ATS application. For more simple
applications, Woodward provides a basic version of an ATS controller.

Core features

 Advanced supervision, monitoring and control

 Comprehensive diagnostics
 Simple user interface
 Field adaptable to changing facility needs
 Remote management
 Industry standard communications

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Advantages of automatic transfer panel

 You need to switch it every time the mains fails and you want to run the generator.
 You need to start the generator manually each time.
 If you aren't nearby, you cannot start the backup power.
 It takes longer - the automatic panel can react as soon as the mains fails.

Disadvantages of a manual transfer panel

 Cost - the Manual transfer panel is much cheaper than an automatic panel.
 Control - the automatic switch will cause the generator to start even if you aren't home -
unless you remember to turn off the generator.
 Wiring - there are no control cables needed, just the electricity supply cables.

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