Electrical Control Panel:: Understanding Working Principle of ATS/AMF Panel
Here i come with the first tutorial on electrical panel working principle. The first panel i will share my experience on is called ATS/AMF(Automatic Transfer Switch or Automatic Mains Failure).
The panel Explained
When you have to connect your backup generator between your load and power utilities then the introduction of ATS is in. The ATS panels serves two purposes any counter one purpose.
The two purposes are:
ATS panel connect the power utilities when present to your home or office.
ATS panel connect the generator to your home when power utilities is not available
Exception Purpose
ATS panel will not allow the connection of generator to power utilities.
Sometimes or majorly the function of the panel can be controlled via Phones, sm
It is important to know that ATS Panel must be connected by a qualified electrician.
Lets look at the main parts of an ATS Panel:
The main parts of an ATS Panel are
1.) IP65 Cabinet: This contains terminal blocks for connection of some part.
2.) Power contactors: A contactor is an electrically controlled switch (relay) used for switching an electrical power circuit Its of two types: NO( Normally Open) and NC (Normally Closed). Normally Open is the one used in ATS Panel which is engaged only when they is power supply and reverse is the case with Normally closed contactor.
3.) Power Transformer: For Load protection
4.) Battery Charger: To keep the system charge at all time
5.) Fuses: For protections
6.) Relay: For interface between engine and generator
7.) ATS Controller: This is where all the display indication and parameter controlling the system is being displayed.
Lets see How the Panel works
ATS Panel is an automatic change over. When the utility power(primary power) source in 1 fails to deliver supply to required load from the diagram above , the load is automatically transferred to generator via ATS/AMF panel. When the power from utility is back we achieve 3 as the above diagram display. By an automatic transfer switch, power failures are detected immediately through the relay which serves interface and send signal to contactor. What happen inside the ATS Panel is explained in 2 above. Contactor inside the panel is usually two with interlock between the two contactors.
The said panel function is to detect any failure in power and react automatically by transfer the load immediately to the generator.
How to Select the Correct Automatic Transfer Switch
Although there are many factor associated to selection of ATS Panel but the paramount point in selection is by SIZE. ATS is selected by considering the load type, voltage rating and continuous current rating.
The disadvantage ATS Panel has is in the area of failure. When fault on the panel is discovered the panel can perform its function and there is no bypass. To enjoy the continuity in power supply when there is failure on the panel you have to disconnect the panel totally.
This is short piece on ATS Panel. Should you have a question regarding this panel kindly drop the comment and i will attend to them all.
Check out some of my Electrical Post
Understanding Electrical control Panel 2
Understanding Electrical control Panel 2
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This is what have been waiting for since all this while.... although, we call it automatic change over but all the same.
My question is that:
Of yes there is single phase automatic transfer switch. This is commonly use at home but if it requires high supply above 100A then 3phase is considered.
The above explained is 3phase panel.
Thanks for your response.
These are good technologies we need to power up electricity in Nigeria, PHCN will soon be a thing of the past.
well @debbey ATS Should not even be the one we should talk about if we have 100percent utility power. Introduction of ATS panel was due to some industries that needed no interruption of power because of the equipment they are using.
Thanks for your comment.
Always a pleasure reading your posts engineer, whats your view on using a bypass system with the ATS?
bypassing the system as cancel the functionality of the panel, this should not even be what to be consider at all. The system working principle is based on automation this should not be compromised.
Thanks for your comment buddy
Thanks for sharing and educating us about electrical control panel. You can also use #steemiteducation on such topics for curation from them.
@seyiodus.
Thanks @seyiodus I appreciate your submission
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