Molly Ayala
In electrical engineering, ATS stands for automatic transfer switch. This is a device that automatically transfers a power supply from its primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source. This ensures minimal disruption to the power supply. ATS is commonly used in facilities that require continuous uptime, such as hospitals, data centres and factories.
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What You'll Learn
- Automatic transfer switches (ATS) are self-acting, intelligent power switching devices
- ATS fundamentals: how ATSs work, typical ATS sequence, and ATS arrangements
- ATSs monitor electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) of primary and alternate power sources
- ATSs are commonly used in data centres, hospitals, and factories
- ATSs can act as a redundant, rack-mounted power supply
Automatic transfer switches (ATS) are self-acting, intelligent power switching devices
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a self-acting, intelligent power switching device. It is a critical component of a functional power system, ensuring the continuous delivery of electrical power from one of two power sources to a connected load circuit.
ATS automatically transfers a power supply from its primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source. This process is governed by dedicated control logic, which is typically microprocessor-based. The control logic constantly monitors the electrical parameters (voltage and frequency) of both the primary and alternate power sources. When the primary power source fails, the ATS will automatically transfer the load circuit to the other power source if it is available and stable, minimizing power supply disruptions.
The two power sources can be independent of each other, requiring dual electric services from a utility company, or they can originate from a single electric service distributed through redundant paths within a facility. ATS can also be applied between two generator sets for prime power use, particularly in remote installations where continuous power is required 24/7. In such cases, the source power is periodically alternated between the generator sets to equally share runtime.
ATS are commonly implemented in data centers, hospitals, and factories, where machine downtime can have a significant impact on productivity, service delivery, or even human lives. They provide a reliable means of transferring essential load connections, ensuring that electrical equipment continues to operate even during a power outage or failure. ATS also acts as a redundant power supply, preventing downtime by remaining connected to the power distribution circuits, even under short-circuit or fault current circumstances.
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ATS fundamentals: how ATSs work, typical ATS sequence, and ATS arrangements
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a self-acting, intelligent power switching device. It is governed by dedicated control logic and its principal purpose is to ensure the continuous delivery of electrical power from one of two power sources to a connected load circuit. The control logic or automatic controller is typically microprocessor-based and constantly monitors the electrical parameters (voltage and frequency) of primary and alternate power sources.
Upon failure of the connected power source, the ATS will automatically transfer the load circuit to the other power source (if it is available). As a general rule, most ATSs seek connection to the primary power source (utility) by default and will only connect to the alternate power source (engine-generator, backup utility) when required (primary source failure) or requested to do so (operator command). The transfer switch shifts the load to the emergency power source when power from the generator or backup utility feed is stable and within prescribed voltage and frequency tolerances.
The typical sequence of operation for an ATS is as follows: The ATS permanently measures the electrical parameters such as voltage and frequency, of both the primary and the backup power. Transfer switches are sometimes applied between two generator sets for prime power use, often at remote installations. In such cases, the generator may be required to provide continuous power 24/7. To equally share runtime, source power is periodically alternated between the generator sets.
Critical facilities with an emergency standby generator system will often include provisions for a second generator connection to serve as a redundant emergency backup that can be used during periods of inclement weather or when scheduled maintenance is being performed on the first generator. This configuration expands on the redundancy provided by a dual utility arrangement and includes an emergency standby generator source. Power frame switches are larger, faster, and more powerful than moulded case switches, and are capable of handling up to 5,000 amps.
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ATSs monitor electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) of primary and alternate power sources
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a self-acting, intelligent power switching device that provides a reliable means of transferring essential load connections between primary and alternate sources of electrical power. It is governed by dedicated control logic, typically microprocessor-based, which constantly monitors the electrical parameters of these power sources. The two main electrical parameters that are monitored are voltage and frequency.
Voltage and frequency are critical parameters in an electric power system. Voltage deviations can cause data errors, crashing, or even destruction of electronic devices. For instance, computers are susceptible to such issues due to voltage deviations like transients. In AC power in the US, voltage swings from +170 volts to -170 volts exactly 60 times a second, which is the standard frequency of 60 Hz.
By continuously monitoring the voltage of the primary power source, an ATS can detect when these parameters go out of range. When this happens, the ATS initiates load switching and transfers to the secondary power source, ensuring continuous power delivery. This process is designed to prevent downtime and maintain the functionality of electrical equipment.
The ATS also plays a role in frequency control, which is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The primary control, or frequency response control, is an automatic function that responds rapidly to imbalances between generation and load. If the frequency deviates significantly from the standard, it indicates a failure of normal control procedures, and the ATS can invoke a standby power source or a long-term backup power system, such as a diesel generator.
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ATSs are commonly used in data centres, hospitals, and factories
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a self-acting, intelligent power-switching device. It is governed by dedicated control logic and is used to ensure the continuous delivery of electrical power from one of two power sources to a connected load circuit.
Data centres, hospitals, and factories are examples of facilities that require continuous or near-continuous uptime. When their normal (primary) power source becomes unavailable, they utilise an emergency (alternate) power source such as a generator or a backup utility feed. ATSs are, therefore, commonly used in these settings.
In data centres, for example, an ATS can be used to provide a reliable means of transferring essential load connections between the primary and alternate power sources. This ensures that the data centre can continue to operate without interruption, even in the event of a power source failure.
In hospitals, ATSs can be used in a similar manner to provide uninterrupted power to essential medical equipment and life-support systems. This is crucial in maintaining patient safety and care.
Factories, which often have a wide range of facility types with varying power requirements, can also benefit from ATSs. For instance, in remote installations, a generator may be required to provide continuous power 24/7. By utilising an ATS, the runtime can be equally shared between two generator sets, reducing the burden on a single generator.
Overall, ATSs play a critical role in maintaining power stability and uptime in data centres, hospitals, and factories, helping to ensure that these facilities can operate effectively and safely, even in the event of power source failures.
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ATSs can act as a redundant, rack-mounted power supply
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a self-acting, intelligent power switching device that ensures the continuous delivery of electrical power from one of two power sources to a connected load circuit. ATSs are designed to carry current continuously, keeping all electrical loads connected to either the primary or secondary power source.
The primary purpose of an ATS is to ensure the continuous operation of machines that require constant uptime, even in the event of a power outage or failure. This is achieved by automatically transferring the power supply from the primary source to a backup source when a failure or outage is detected in the primary source. ATSs are commonly implemented in data centres, hospitals, and factories, where machine downtime can have a significant impact on productivity, service delivery, or even human lives.
ATSs provide power redundancy, typically employing two utility sources that are independent of each other or originating from a single electric service distributed through redundant paths within the facility. This allows for quick restoration of service to the load in the event of upstream equipment failure. In addition, ATSs can be applied between two generator sets for prime power use, providing continuous power 24/7 by alternating the source power between the generator sets.
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Frequently asked questions
ATS stands for Automatic Transfer Switch.
An ATS is used to transfer a power supply from its primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source. It is a self-acting, intelligent power switching device governed by dedicated control logic.
ATSs are used in facilities that require continuous or near-continuous uptime, such as data centers, hospitals, and factories.
