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Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
The Key to High Reliability Source Switching
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Presentation Overview
ATS – The Key to High Reliability Source Switching Various technologies are used to switch critical loads from a primary to a backup power source. When nothing goes wrong in the facility (overloads, short circuits, etc.) most technologies perform adequately. When problems occur, certain ATS technologies will keep the power on…others will not. Knowing the differences and correctly applying ATS in your facility is key to providing high reliability source switching. This presentation will include: A definition of ATS An overview of typical ATS applications, constructions, and types A review of the IEC codes and testing procedures for ATS A comparison of the performance of each technology under IEC testing – under normal and abnormal circumstances Application guidelines for selectively coordinated, high reliability, fault- tolerant source switching. Overall recommendations for a Power Quality installations.
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Section 1 – ATS Basics What is an ATS ?
What are typical applications of ATS? Common constructions of ATS Common types of ATS
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What is an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) ?
An ATS is a device designed to Automatically switch (transfer) between (2) sources of power to improve the reliability of the electrical supply to a connected load. Backup Source (typically a Generator Supply (Normally De-Energized) G Primary Source (typically a Utility Supply or Utility Bus) (Normally Energized)
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Typical Applications of ATS
Utility and Engine Generator Single unit standby applications are very common Utility and Utility Dual utility applications are becoming more common Generator and Generator Prime power / standby application
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Types of ATS construction
Knife Blade Type Twin Contactor Type Twin MCCB Type Power Contactor Type Static Transfer Type GE Power Quality GE components Market Trend
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Typical ATS Constructions Knife Blade
Typically Non-Load breaking Usually Manually Operated (and slow) Sometimes motor operated (still slow) Low withstand ratings – no arc chutes or vents Low endurance ratings = limited life
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Typical ATS Constructions Twin Contactor
IEC Switching device having 1 position of rest (IEC def’n) Returns to position of loss power (un-latched type) or add’l latching arrangement to hold position on loss of power Built using 1 of up to 12 types of contactors under IEC Code, from basic contactor to high-capacity motor starters. Often very basic controller Mechanical/safety interlock often not available or optional Variety of operators, from motor to electromagnets Not a True double throw device - possible to close into both Sources
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Typical ATS Constructions Twin MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker)
IEC 2 Position device, typically operated from add-on motors Built using 1 of up to 2 types of breaker under IEC Code, from basic instantaneous-trip type to short-time rated devices. Mechanical/safety interlock is an add-on, sometimes optional Motor operators usually slow, often unreliable for high duty. Wide range of manf-assigned withstand ratings (low, med, or high) Not a True double throw device - possible to close into both Sources
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Typical ATS Constructions Power Contactor Type (GE Zenith Std.)
UL 1008 IEC Std. Double Throw mechanism - Inherent mechanical interlock against closing to both sources No add-on interlocks required Fewer moving parts High Withstand Current ratings to allow fault clearing coordination Integrated Arc quenching components Solenoid Operated (very fast)
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Power Contactor ATS - Composition
Arc quenching grids & enclosed arc chutes Movable contact assembly has 2 pieces, arcing contact and main current carrying contact. Arcing contacts make first, break last [See Video]. Silver alloy contacts Resists welding Enhanced withstand ratings “Over center” switching principal to achieve a mechanically locked position in either Source 1 or 2 High speed solenoid actuated drive assures contact transfer in msec (Click to see video)
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Typical ATS Constructions Static
E N 1 2 L Two live sources required. Solid-state switching >> no moving parts Extremely FAST operation, transfer in less than ¼ cycle. SCR technology Typically used on critical loads where 2 reliable and independent power supplies available, or switching 2 x UPS Outputs. Both sources must be in sync Often cost prohibitive for Standby applications
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Standard Transfer Switch: Types
Transition (No Center Position) Delayed Transition (With Center OFF Position) NOTE: “OFF” Position indicates Neither Source connected Closed Transition (Make-Before-Break Operation) NOTE: “P” Position indicates both sources paralleled for 5 cycles
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TWO PATHS FROM SOURCE TO LOAD
Bypass Isolation ATS MECHANICAL INTERLOCKS TWO PATHS FROM SOURCE TO LOAD WITHDRAWABLE ATS FIXED MOUNT MTS Essentially (2) ATS in Parallel, (1) Automatic Switch (ATS) & (1) Manual Switch (MTS). ATS is withdrawable, similar to withdrawable CB’s (2) redundant paths from each source to load. ATS & MTS are mechanically and electrically interlocked To prevents accidental closure of both sources Bypassing power from Source to Load permits testing or maintenance of ATS without interruption to load. Available in Open, Delayed, and Closed Transition If power fails while bypassed, Genset is auto started to permit fast transfer using MTS.
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Section 2 - Codes & Standards for equipment applied as ATS
What are the Internationally- recognized codes? What is the Performance difference of devices tested to these codes?
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Internationally-recognized ATS Codes and Standards
Devices arranged for Source Switching, but not IEC rated as ATS Devices arranged for Source Switching, IEC rated as ATS Contactors & Motor Starters Circuit Breakers Contactors & Motor Starters Circuit Breakers Power Contactors IEC UL 508 IEC UL 489 IEC UL 1008 Devices may be arranged to function as an ATS, but not be rated as ATS by a Recognized body
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Transfer Switching Equipment 60947-6-1
IEC Performance Testing of ATS - Overview GE ATS Ratings Twin Contactors Twin CB’s CB: Breaker type PC/CC: Contactor types. Contactor Circuit Breaker IEC Code Transfer Switching Equipment Util. Cat. (IEC ‘AC-1’) (IEC ‘A’) (AC-31A, 31B) (AC-33A, 33B) 31A: High Operations @ Rated Current 33A: High 2 x Rated Current 31B: Low Rated Current 33B: Low 2 x Rated Current Operational Performance High Rated current Low majority No Current Overload or Low current short circuit Performance Low 6x Rated Current, High pf, for up to 630A Rating. (N/A >630A) Low 1.5x Rated Current, High pf 31A: High Operations @ 1.5 Rated Current 33A: High 6x Rated Current 31B: Low 1.5 Rated Current 33B: Low 6x Rated Current CC/PC Type: Break SC: No Make SC: Yes Make & Hold: Yes Withstand SC: Yes High/Short Circuit Performance CB Type: Break SC: Yes Make SC: Yes Make & Hold: No Withstand SC: No Break SC: Yes Make SC: Yes Make & Hold: No Withstand SC: No No Requirements
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Short Circuit Testing of PC-Type ATS
Contactors and Circuit Breakers have Fault current ratings, expressed in kAIC PC-type ATS are tested to: Withstand fault currents (remain closed), for a set period of time, permitting downstream devices to trip and isolate the fault. Close into faults, to permit the Backup supply fault current necessary to clear the fault. For this reason, PC-type ATS have Withstand and Close Ratings (WCR) vs. Traditional kAIC Fault rating (as in a CB). FaultTesting (click to see video)
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Performance of ATS Technologies - Summary
Twin CB’s CB: Breaker type PC/CC: Contactor types. “Real life” performance of ATS in your facility Twin Contactors Building Event Low Operation switching of Rated Load OK Not OK OK High Duty Cycle/Switching 33A, 33B OK Not OK 31A, 31B Switching Motors w/ 6-10X start OK (up to 630A) 33A, 33B Not OK >630A 31A, 31B Short on load side of ATS Need upstream SCPD to trip Inst. Trip. Selectivity w/ downstream SCPD ??? Same as CB Designed to withstand & permit downstream SCPD to clear Switching into a short circuit on load side of ATS. Designed to close into and withstand to permit downstream SCPD to clear Big problem Same as above
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Section 3 - Application Guidelines for PQ Installations
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Recommendations to customers & Design Institute :
Specify ATS certified As an ATS to IEC or UL Un-certified ATS have not been tested for the purposes of source switching. Specify an ATS with adequate duty cycle rating “A” or “B” IEC Utilization Catagories, based on application Specify an ATS with adequate overload capability for switching inductive loads “31” or “33” IEC Utilization Catagories, based on application Specify PC Type of ATS for critical load application … Specify PC-type where fault withstand, vs, tripping under faults, is required for proper system Selective Coordination for faults below ATS.
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Product Information availability :
An extensive amount of information is available 24 x 7, on the Web, including: Product Brochures Guideform Specifications Drawings Operation & Maintenance Manuals Application Information All information has recently been updated, re-organized, and made easily accessible. See it all at: GEZenith.com
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Pre-Sales Application Support:
Support Team in place : Pre-Sales Application Support: Your Country / Area Sales Manager cc: Huang YF (GE PQ ATS Asia ) cc: Scott Kolek (GE PQ ATS Global ) Pricing/RFQ (please provide Model #): Your Country / Area Sales Manager cc: Susan Barnes (GE Zenith USA) cc: Scott Kolek (GE PQ ATS Global) cc: Huang YF (GE PQ ATS Asia ) Place an Order: Your Country / Area Sales Manager cc: Huang YF (GE PQ ATS Asia ) cc: Susan Barnes [001] (GE Zenith USA) cc: Scott Kolek [ (GE PQ ATS) Aftermarket Service & Inquiries: Your country / Area Sales Manger . APO Service team – Chen Hao, Yeung Albert. - Same process as UPS. cc: Jason Lin ( GE Zenith USA ) cc: Huang YF (GE PQ ATS Asia )
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The GE Zenith Range of ATS
ZTX Series Residential/Light Commercial applications Amp & Volt ratings 2, 3, or 4-Pole. Std transition. ZTG series Pre-Engineered & Standard applications requiring dependability and ease of operation Standard & Delayed Transition Amp & Volt ratings 2, 3 or 4-Pole ZTS series Spec Grade & Custom applications Standard, Delayed, Closed Transition Bypass versions available with all Transition modes Amp ratings Volt ratings
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Section 4: GE Zenith New Controls
Coming May 2007
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Our New Controls… (A preview)
Graphical Display Large metering values Wide viewing angle Multi-Language Support Ease of Use Graphical Interface Embedded ‘Help’ screens Quick View Mimic Source Availability Source Connected Status Key Status LED’s Security Role Based Access Revision control /History Dedicated Control Pushbuttons Auto/Man Engine Control Test Features User-tailored “Info” screen Integrated Functionality ATS Control Metering Genset Monitoring Data Logger Diagnostics & Events Capture Soft Key Navigation Role Based Access Revision control /History Front Port Access Easy adjustment of settings using Launchpad thru front USB port
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Modular, Card-Cage Construction for Ease of Service and Expandability
New ATS Controller (MX350) for New GE Zenith ‘ZTE’ ATS Modular, Card-Cage Construction for Ease of Service and Expandability
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(English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese)
New Features Features New ZTE vs. Competition Fill Current Competitive Control Gaps Many ZTS options made Std. – 365 Day Ex (CDP), R103 (Util 47), R16 (Ph Rot), Q2 (Peak Shave), AB3/4 (Bypass Pos), DSLC (Disc Sw), TMS (Trans Mode for CT), Gen-Gen exerciser, User MB Address setup. NEW – Easy & Fast Set/Save/Re-load Config using LaunchPad (SW ships free w/ each ATS. Std front-connect USB port) (Not Avail) NEW – Chinese & Spanish Languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese) NEW – Graphical OIP w/ Customer-Config INFO & HELP screens for simple, intuitive operation (Softload model only) NEW – Expanded Service Diagnostics + Utility Fail & Emerg. Pwr. system Performance info (Not Avail) NEW – Auto Load Shed on sensed ANSI 81U, 27/59, or Overload (Not Avail) NEW – Built-in Power Quality Metering, including THD & waveform oscillography (Separate Metering) Comparative Advantage Parity Gap
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(Significant differences for Softload
New Features (cont) Features New T5/T7 vs. Competition NEW – Built-in Serial and TCP/IP Communications for easy facility integration (Separate Cards) NEW – Full range of transfer types, inc. Softload (Significant differences for Softload NEW – Flexible Control Switches – Setup in LaunchPad (Not Avail) NEW – Event and metering integration: High speed event capture + Pre/Post event metering & oscillography for efficient & accurate fault diagnostics (Not Avail) NEW – Direct source sensing up to 690VAC Without need for step-down transformers (Not Avail) NEW – Direct Genset Communications and Failsafe Programmable Remote I/O reduce total installed costs (Not Avail) NEW – Extensive Modbus Data map of all events, metered data, and diagnostics for BMS system (Not Avail) NEW – Remote service connect, diagnostics, and calibration using built-in TCP/IP Network Connection (Not Avail) NEW – Reassignment of switch features in the field to accommodate site changes (using LaunchPad). (Not Avail) NEW – Field-upgradeable for additional I/O and new features ($$$$) Comparative Advantage Parity Gap
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