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Home / Technical Articles / 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 essentials of an automatic changeover systems in medium voltage networks
The essentials of an automatic changeover systems in medium voltage networks

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.

The equipment monitors 3-phase voltages on all power sources. Power supply sources are often prioritized and if any phase voltage on the primary power source falls outside a predetermined range for a specific amount of time, the power source is switched over to a back-up supply. Once the primary power source is re-established, the power source is switched back to the primary power source.

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

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

Motor operated circuit breaker using voltage fed open and close command signals via momentary contact pushbuttons
Figure 1 – MV circuit breaker control diagram: 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

Magnetic operated circuit breaker using volt-free open and close command signals via bistable relay contacts
Figure 2 – MV circuit breaker control diagram: 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)

Go back to Table of Contents ↑


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

Electrical optionDescription
Undervoltage shunt tripOnly used with DCO control.
Lock-out solenoidNeeds to be externally energised before contactor main poles can be electrically operated.
Racking solenoidNeeds to be externally energised before a withdrawable contactor can be moved between the test and service positions.
Auxiliary contactsIndicate the electrical state of the main contactor poles.
Racking contactsIndicate whether a withdrawable contactor is in the service or test position.
Fuse blow indicator contactsIndicate fuse condition. Operated by striker pin and only available on contactors with integral medium voltage fuses

The following examples show typical contactor control circuits:


Wiring diagram #1

Single command operated contactor control (typical)

Single command operated contactor control (typical)
Figure 3 – MV contactor control diagram: 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)

Double command operated contactor control (typical)
Figure 4 – MV contactor control diagram: 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

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Edvard Csanyi - Author at EEP-Electrical Engineering Portal

Edvard Csanyi

Hi, I'm an electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal. I worked twelve years at Schneider Electric in the position of technical support for low- and medium-voltage projects and the design of busbar trunking systems.

I'm highly specialized in the design of LV/MV switchgear and low-voltage, high-power busbar trunking (<6300A) in substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. I'm also a professional in AutoCAD programming.

Profile: Edvard Csanyi

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