Using the basic building blocks of utility power, system topology, on-site generation, and
uninterruptible power supplies, the basic role of the automatic transfer system may now be
defined.
Operational Requirments of Automatic Transfer System (photo credit: [Link])
In this role, the Automatic Transfer System must display the following characteristics:
1. Robustness – it must operate as intended, even under abnormal power system conditions,
without human intervention. Just as importantly, it must be able to distinguish when a
system condition does not warrant transfer to the alternate power source.
2. It must be able to control the switchgear as required and, additionally, must be able
to pass the proper signals to the alternate power source if necessary (for example, to
signal a generator when to start.
Simply stated, the role of the automatic transfer system is to provide the automatic
transfer of power for its associated load group from a normal power source,
such as a utility service, to an alternate power source, such as standby generation, in
the event the normal source fails.
Example System Description
To fully illustrate the operational requirements ofa typical automatic transfer system, a more
detailed representation of the system is required. For this purpose, the main-main topology
arrangement used, but with the details of the automatic transfer system shown:
Figure 1 – Main-Main Automatic Transfer Scheme Detail
In Figure 1, the automatic transfer logic provides the decision-making for what
automatic operations are to happen, and when. It controls the operation of the two transfer
circuit breakers, CB-UM and CB-GM, and receives status inputs from those breakers. It also
can initiate generator startup for the alternate power source.
Undervoltage (device 27) and negative sequence voltage (device 47) relays on each
power source give the transfer logic indication of their condition. In addition, a
frequency relay (device 81) is present for frequency indication of the
alternate power source.
Voltage transformers, or VT’s, step the system voltages down to instrumentation levels that
can be used by these relays. A user interface allows the adjustment of certain operating
parameters of the system, and updates the user onthe status of the system.
Using this example system, the operational requirements of a typical automatic transfer
system will be examined.
Modes of Operation //
An essential requirement of anyautomatic transfer system is the ability to have different
modes of operation. In a given mode of operation, the transfer system will respond in a given
way to changing system conditions. For a different mode of operation, the transfer system will
respond differently.
Two basic modes of operation, which any automatic transfer system must have, are:
1. Manual Mode
2. Automatic Mode
In the manual mode, the automatic transfer system does not perform any automatic
operations, i.e., it does not respond to changing system conditions. All circuit breaker
operations must be manually performed. Conversely, in the automatic mode of operation all
operations, with a few emergency exceptions, are automatic, and the system will respond
automatically to changing system conditions.
On the surface, this appears to be a simple arrangement, and to some extent this is true.
Good ATS design //
However, good automatic transfer system design has well-thought-out mode logic that
answers the following questions:
1. Can the system be placed into automatic mode if system conditions are not correct
(for example, if an automatically-controlled circuit breaker is in the withdrawn position or
not present in the circuit breaker cell)?
2. What manual operations are allowed in automatic mode (for example, manual opening
of circuit breakers)?
3. What happens if an allowed manual operation is performed on an automatically controlled
device (for example, if an automatically-controlled circuit breaker is manually tripped or
trips due to a fault)
Such questions are not always easy to answer. In fact, they necessitate, in a well-designed
automatic transfer system, the inclusion of a third mode of operation, typically known as auto
mode failure.
The three modes of operation then typically work as follows:
1. Manual mode
2. Automatic mode
3. Auto mode failure
1. Manual Mode
Selected via a selector switch position or other pre-determined user input via the user
interface. No automatic operations occur.
Go back to ATS Operation Modes ↑
2. Automatic Mode //
Selected via a selector switch position or other pre-determined user input via the user interface.
Attempting to enter automatic mode if the system conditions are not correct places the
system into Auto Mode Failure.
In Automatic Mode, operations for certain circuit breakers (such as main and tie circuit
breakers) are automatic, however manual tripping (or breaker trip due to a fault) of
automatically-controlled circuit breakers is allowed. Such manual or fault-driven
operations will result in the system being placed into Auto Mode Failure.
Go back to ATS Operation Modes ↑
3. Auto Mode Failure //
No automatic operations occur. For automatically-controlled circuit breakers, only manual
tripping (or trip due to a fault) is allowed. To leave this mode of operation, the system must be
placed into manual mode.
This arrangement provides a high level of security for the transfer scheme, i.e., undesired
or “nuisance” operations are minimized, enhancing safety, maintainability, and reliability of
the system.
Of necessity, to make this mode logic arrangement function properly the breaker
status must consist both of breaker open-closed indication and, for drawout circuit breakers,
circuit breaker cell switch indication.
Circuit breaker cell switches are a feature which must not be overlooked as they are essential
for the proper function of an automatic transfer scheme with drawout circuit breakers. For the
same reason overcurrent trip switches for low-voltage circuit breakers or lockout relays for
medium-voltage circuit breakers are also required.
Another question that frequently arises is that of a “test” mode of operation. While
this could be made into a separate mode of operation, this is usually most expediently
handled via voltage failure simulation test switches whilethe system is the automatic
mode.
Go back to ATS Operation Modes ↑
Read the next part 2 //
Reference // Critical-Power Automatic Transfer Systems – Design and Application by Bill
Brown, P.E., Jay Guditis, Square D Critical Power Competency Center