The essentials of an automatic changeover systems in medium voltage networks

Automatic transfer switch (ATS)

In medium voltage distribution networks, it is important to maintain a high level of reliability. Industry relies on the continuous operation of critical plant, which requires no or little disruption to the electrical supply. There are various methods for building redundancy of supply into a system.

The most commonly used methods are a dual transformer fed supply and/or a standby generator sized to keep critical plant online. Automatic changeover systems are designed to monitor and maintain continuous supply.

Today’s technology allows the supervision and control of an entire distribution system from a single controller, referred to as an automatic transfer switch (ATS) or automatic changeover unit (ACU). Although there are a wide range of products available, they all have the same primary function.

In medium voltage systems, switching is performed using either contactors or circuit breakers. Most ATS controllers can control both types of switching devices.

Automatic changeover systems range from simple main/standby set-ups to highly complex distribution systems and this is where the selection of an appropriate ATS controller is important. Systems can be operated in automatic or
manual mode.

• In AUTO mode, supervision and power source switching is carried out entirely by the ATS controller.
• In MANUAL mode, power source switching is carried out by manual selection via the ATS controller.

NOTE! For safety reasons, manual mode cannot be used in certain network configurations.

Table of contents:

• ATS Switching devices
  • Typical circuit breaker control
  • Typical contactor control
• Operating modes in automatic changeover systems
  • N1+N2 mode
  • N1+G mode
  • N1+N2+N3 mode
  • N1+N2+G mode
  • N1+N2+S mode

ATS Switching Devices

Typical Circuit Breaker Control

This information focuses on the double command operated (DCO) method of circuit breaker control. DCO control uses normally-open momentary contacts (ie pushbuttons) or a bistable relay to operate the shunt closing and opening coils. Some circuit breakers use voltage fed open and close command signals while others use volt-free signals.

Medium voltage circuit breakers can be vacuum or gas (SF6) insulated, with magnetic or motor charged spring operation.

Here are some examples of various double command operated (DCO) control methods:

Wiring diagram #1

Motor operated circuit breaker using voltage fed open and close command signals via momentary contact pushbuttons

Where:

1. Auxiliary supply
2. Motor (spring charge)
3. Close shunt coil
4. Open shunt coil
5. Circuit breaker controller
6. External trip contact (eg. from motor protection relay)

Wiring diagram #2

Magnetic operated circuit breaker using volt-free open and close command signals via bistable relay contacts

Where:

1. Auxiliary supply
2. Circuit breaker control (open/close)
3. Circuit breaker controller
4. External trip contact (eg from motor protection relay)

1. Control supply
2. Command inputs (common, close, open)

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Typical Contactor Control

Medium voltage contactors genarlly have two methods of control:

1. Single command operated control (SCO) – this requires a permanent signal to close and maintain the contactor in the closed position. Removal of the control signal will open the contactor.
2. Double command operated control (DCO) – this requires two separate momentary contacts; one for the close command and one for the open command. The DCO control method typically uses normally open, spring return pushbuttons for both the open and close commands.

Typically, command signals require an external voltage source and the contactor controller itself requires a separate auxiliary voltage source. Depending on the contactor make and model, electrical options are available.

Some examples are shown in Table 1 below:

Table 1 – Electrical options of a contactor and their descriptions

The following examples show typical contactor control circuits:

Wiring diagram #1

Single command operated contactor control (typical)

Where:

1. Auxiliary supply
2. Contactor controller
3. Control signal (maintained)
4. External trip contact (eg from motor protection relay)

1. Control supply
2. Command input

Wiring diagram #2

Double command operated contactor control (typical)

Where:

1. Auxiliary supply
2. Contactor controller
3. External trip contact (eg. from motor protection relay)

1. Control supply
2. Close input
3. Open input