Cairo University

Faculty of Engineering Year: 4th Year

Electrical Power & Machines Dept.

Generation and Utilization of Electrical Power

Name of Experiment: Automatic Transfer Switch

Code: G2
Objectives:
1. To study the importance of the transfer switches.
2. To understand the operating principle of open transition transfer switches.
3. To understand the operating principle of closed transition transfer switches.
4. To be able to design and implement simple classical control circuits.
5. To be familiar with the usage of different power and control devices such as circuit
breakers, contactors, relays and timers.

Theoretical Background:

Transfer switches allow switching from a primary power source to a secondary source and are
employed in some electrical power distribution systems. Most often transfer switches can be seen
where emergency power generators are used to back up power from the utility source. The transfer
switch allows switching from utility power to emergency generator power and vice versa. The
switch is either a manual switch or an automatic switch. During abnormal conditions like power
outage in the utility side, the transfer switches isolate the emergency circuits from the utility and
feed it from the emergency generator. Also, ATS can be used in conditions where the utility is
operating properly, but there is a need for switching the load from the utility side to the backup
generator side, for example during periodic maintenance in utility side.
A transfer switch is set up to provide power to critical loads, which requires circuit distribution
boards to be divided into critical (Emergency) and non-critical (non-emergency) loads. An example
of critical loads will be emergency lighting used in buildings, elevators, healthcare centers &
hospitals, control circuits in industrial systems, computer data servers, fire alarm & fire fighting
systems. Figure 1 shows the Configuration of the Automatic transfer switch.

Figure1: Automatic Transfer Switch Configuration

Types of transfer equipment

Transfer switches can be categorized into two main groups:

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 Cairo University
Faculty of Engineering Year: 4th Year
Electrical Power & Machines Dept.

Generation and Utilization of Electrical Power

1. Open transition transfer switches.

2. Closed transition transfer switches.

1. Open transition transfer switches

Open transition transfer switches provide a break-before-make switching action. The

connection to one source is opened before the connection to the second source is closed. They are
specially designed to transfer power between utility and onsite generators. Mechanical interlocks
that prevent interconnection of sources in automatic and manual modes are commonly used.

Advantages of open-transition transfer systems

Lowest cost automatic power transfer option available due to the simplicity of the control
and mechanism needed, and the simplicity of the interface to the generator set.
The open transition ATS panel can be equipped with mechanical interlock that prevents
inadvertent utility paralleling.
Disadvantage of open-transition transfer systems
During retransfer from the emergency generator to the utility following restoration of
normal power or during maintenance maneuvers, i.e. during switching between 2 healthy
sources, disconnection of the load is a must (break before make action), which may not
be suitable for some applications and annoying for the operators in industrial systems.
During switching action between 2 healthy sources, a fixed open time is needed to allow
the arc developed on opening the contacts to decay. Typically this time requirement is
approximately five electrical cycles.
In applications with motor loads, open transition transfer switches need to keep the load
disconnected for a certain amount of time, from one-half to three seconds, to allow the
residual voltage present at the motor terminals to decay. This feature is called
programmed transition or delayed transfer.

2. Closed transition transfer switches

Closed transition transfer switches provide a make-before-break switching action and utilize a
momentary paralleling of both sources (<100milliseconds) during the transfer period, provided that
both sources are acceptable (healthy) and in synchronism.
Closed transition transfer switches are operated in break-before-make sequence, as open
transition transfer switches, when switching from a failed source to alive source, and in make-
before-break sequence, when transferring between two live healthy sources.
There are operational conditions where it may be desirable to transfer loads with zero
interruption of power when conditions permit. For these applications, closed transition transfer

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 Cairo University
Faculty of Engineering Year: 4th Year
Electrical Power & Machines Dept.

Generation and Utilization of Electrical Power

switches can be provided. Closed transition transfer switch requires sync-check relay for
synchronization of the sources.

Closed transition transfer switch requires sync-check relay for synchronization of the sources. A
closed transition transfer switch (CTTS) is not a substitute for a UPS (uninterruptible power
supply).UPS has a built-in stored energy that provides power for a prescribed period of time in the
event of a power failure. A CTTS only assures there will be no momentary loss of power when the
load is transferred from one live power source to another live healthy one.

Advantages of closed-transition transfer systems

They prevent momentary breaks in power during generator set testing and when closing
back to a restored utility source, and hence makes code-mandated monthly testing less
objectionable.
Disadvantage of closed-transition transfer systems
Closed transition transfer switches do not include mechanical interlocking of sources,
making it possible, especially in manual operation modes, to manually parallel un-synced
sources. This can be very damaging to the power sources or the transfer equipment.
Due to its complexity and sync-check relay, closed transition switching systems are more
complex and expensive than open-transition transfer switches.

ATS operation under different conditions

1. Loss of normal power

The control circuit continuously monitors the condition of the primary power supply. When an
abnormal condition is sensed such as power outage, voltage sags, overvoltage, etc.., a start signal is
generated after an adjustable time delay. On receipt of this signal, the generator set automatically
starts; also, the primary supply breaker is opened. The generator then accelerates to rated frequency
and builds up to the rated voltage. After reaching the rated voltage and frequency on the generator
supply terminals the generator breaker is closed.
2. Return of normal power in case of open transition
When all of the system start signals are removed (i.e. the primary source is restored), the system
will begin retransfer sequence after an adjustable time delay. On completion of the time delay, the
generator set transfer breaker will open and, one second later, the utility (primary supply) transfer
breaker will close. The generator set will run unloaded for a cool down period. When the cool
down time delay expires, the unit will shut down and the system will again be ready for automatic
operation.

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 Cairo University
Faculty of Engineering Year: 4th Year
Electrical Power & Machines Dept.

Generation and Utilization of Electrical Power

3. Return of normal power in case of closed transition

When normal power is restored, the system will begin retransfer sequence after an adjustable
time delay. On completion of the time delay, the generator bus-bar will automatically synchronize
with the utility service across the utility transfer breaker using sync-check relay. When the two
systems are synchronized, the utility breaker will close and the generator set will gradually transfer
the different loads to the utility.
On completion of the load transfer sequence, the generator set transfer breaker will open. The
generator set will run unloaded for a cool down period. When the cool down time delay expires, the
unit will shut down, and the system will again be ready for automatic operation.

Figure 2: Open Transition transfer sequence from healthy to healthy source

Figure 3: Closed Transition transfer sequence from healthy to healthy source

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 Cairo University
Faculty of Engineering Year: 4th Year
Electrical Power & Machines Dept.

Generation and Utilization of Electrical Power

Experimental Work

The main aim of the experimental work is to design and implement power and control circuits of
the open transition ATS.

Precautions
Do not make any circuit modifications while supply is connected.
Do not connect the circuit except under full supervision and guidance from your
instructor.
You must wear your safety gloves while doing the experiment.

Procedures:
1- Determine the components (including specifications for its ratings) that are required to
implement open transition ATS power and control circuit for 40 KVA load.
2- Draw the control and the power circuit.
3- Connect the control and power circuit components using the wires available in the
laboratory.
4- Use the available digital multi meter to test your connection.
5- Ask the teaching assistant TA to check your wiring before powering up the circuit.
6- Power up the circuit in the presence of the TA, and simulate utility supply power shut
down to check that the control circuit works as intended from it.
7- Return the utility supply again and see if the control circuit returned back to supply
the load from the main contactor path or not.
Report:
1- Determine the components (including specifications for its ratings) that are required to
implement closed transition ATS power and control circuit for 100 kVA load.
2- Draw the control and the power circuit of the closed transition ATS. (Drawings must
be done using a software )
3- You must write in your report all reasonable assumptions you have taken in to your
account.
4- A truth table check list should be delivered with in your report to check all operational
conditions of the circuit.
5- Report must be delivered within 2 weeks starting from your lab attendance date; it
must be delivered hand by hand.
6- Hand written reports are not accepted at all.
7- Maximum allowed no. of students are 4 students per report from same group.
Note: Dont hesitate to contact your instructor for any questions or clarifications regarding
the laboratory.

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 Cairo University
Faculty of Engineering Year: 4th Year
Electrical Power & Machines Dept.

Generation and Utilization of Electrical Power

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