Effective ATS Management

Effective ATS Management on IHS Towers sites
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a self-acting, intelligent power switching device governed by
dedicated control logic. The principal purpose of an ATS is to ensure the continuous delivery of electrical
power from one or two power sources to a connected load circuit (electrical equipment – lights, motors,
computers, etc.).
The control logic or automatic controller is typically microprocessor-based and constantly monitors the
electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) of primary and alternate power sources. Upon failure of the
connected power source, the ATS will automatically transfer (switch) the load circuit to the other power
source (if it is available). As a general rule, most automatic transfer switches 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). However,
in IHS towers, the main sources of power are grid and generators on conventional sites.
Components of an ATS panel
1. Contactors
A contactor is an electrical switching device. It is used for switching an electrical circuit on and off. It is a
special type of relay. The contactor is mostly used in applications where higher current carrying capacity is
involved, while the relays are used for lower current applications. Contactors are compact and can be field
mounted easily. Usually, these devices feature multiple contacts. The contacts are mostly normally open,
and they provide operating power to the load whenever the contactor coil is powered.
The operating principle of the contactor is quite simple; the current flowing through the contactor energizes
the electromagnet. The energized electromagnet then creates a magnetic field. This causes the core of the
contactor to move the armature. The circuit is then completed between the fixed and moving contacts by a
normally closed (NC) contact allowing the current to pass through the contacts to the load. When the current
is stopped from passing through, the coil is de-energized and opens the circuit. The contactors contacts
are able to rapidly open and close, which is why they are able to handle larger loads. Contactors are the
major components on an ATS.
2. Relays
A relay is an electromagnetic switch that opens and closes circuits electromechanically or electronically. A
relatively small electric current that can turn on or off a much larger electric current operates a relay. Relays
work like some electrical products since they receive an electrical signal and send the signal to other
equipment by turning the switch on and off.
Differences between a contactor and a relay

Relays, just like contactors, are devices that are used to open or close circuits electromechanically or
electronically. Relays are not just switching devices; they are primary protection as well in most control
processes or equipment. All relays can be classified with one or more electrical quantities like current or
voltage such that can close or open circuits or contacts.
3. Trickle chargers
Trickle chargers are devices which charges a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate,
thus enabling the battery to remain at its fully charged level; This helps to keep the battery of the idle DG
charged, and in operational state, whenever there is need to start its generator during change over. Without
the trickle charger, the idle battery will run down!
4. Timers
Generally, timers are used to control the circuit for a certain amount of time. Timers are used to delay the
circuit operation, can be used to measure the time elapsed or the external events occurring for a specific
time interval. Timers are used to maintain the operation of the embedded system in sync with the clock.
The clock can be an external clock or the system clock. Timers are used for various applications in circuits
or embedded systems such as to generate baud rates, measuring time generating delays and many more.
On our sites, they are used to signal when DG starts or stops when grid is available, or standby/stop idle
generator.
5. Breakers
A circuit breaker is a crucial part of an electrical system. It is designed to protect all electrical equipment
connected to it by cutting off power in case of a short. A breaker can detect an anomaly in your electrical
system—either abnormally high temperatures, a current imbalance, or a short circuit. If any of these were
to happen, it will trip. This opens the circuit, thereby cutting off the flow of electricity. Currently, there are
three circuit breaker types. Each of these has specific purposes.
• Standard Circuit breakers

The standard circuit breaker works by cutting off power if the system reaches a temperature threshold. The
current drawn in a circuit has a known temperature range. If it exceeds a specific temperature, that means
the system is drawing much more current than it can handle.
• GFCI Circuit breakers (Ground fault circuit interrupter)
Unlike a standard circuit breaker that detects heat in an electrical system, the GFCI circuit breaker senses
an imbalance in current flow. It is immediately tripped when it detects such irregularity, like a grounded wire
before someone gets electrocuted.
• AFCI Circuit Breakers (Arc-fault circuit breakers)
AFCI or arc-fault circuit interrupter is also known as AFDD or arc-fault detection device. This type of circuit
breaker can detects the electrical arcs caused by damaged wires. It can also identify arcs from extension
cords or within electrical appliances, as long as they’re connected to the circuit.
An arc fault happens when an electrical cable’s insulation gets damaged. This can occur when nails pierce
your wiring conduit, through rodent bites, or simply due to age. The AFCI circuit breaker is mainly required
to be installed in commercial establishments like dormitories and rentals.
A typical transfer sequence includes:
1. Outage on current power source, which could be grid or a DG

2. The transfer switch shifts the load to the emergency power source (which may be DG or grid) provided
the supply is stable and within prescribed voltage and frequency tolerances. Depending on a facility’s
needs and preferences, the transfer process is self-acting.
3. The transfer switch returns the load from the emergency power source to the normal power source
when utility power is restored. The retransfer process is self-acting or manually-initiated.
Two power sources: Generator-to-Generator
Transfer switches, at times, are 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 run-time, source power is periodically alternated between the generator sets.
Transfer switches, at times, are 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 run-time, source power is periodically alternated between the generator sets.
Three power sources: Utility—Generator—Generator
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.
As shown, in some cases, the first generator is permanently installed onsite whereas the second generator
will be a portable roll-up type that is deployed when needed.
Common ATS snags on IHS sites
• Inconsistent ATS rating on panel and contactors
It has been observed in the business, that the rating on the ATS panel is different from the capacity on the
individual contactor/breaker rating.

• Wrong load dimensioning: Use of under capacity contactors leading to fire incident
• Poor installation cable burning and service disruption
• Cannibalization of asset (Monitoring display) modules have been removed

• Wrong installation
Solutions to ATS related faults on site
1. Proper dimensioning of loads. Appropriate load dimensioning will help in the reduction of non-
synchronization of ATS due to poor/wrong dimensioning.
2. Engagement of skilled technicians by concerned vendors
3. Replacement of faulty components on time
4. ATS component assets tagging to track and reduce the incidence of cannibalization.

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Effective ATS Management on IHS Towers sites

Components of an ATS panel

Differences between a contactor and a relay

• Standard Circuit breakers

• GFCI Circuit breakers (Ground fault circuit interrupter)

A typical transfer sequence includes:

1. Outage on current power source, which could be grid or a DG

Three power sources: Utility—Generator—Generator

Common ATS snags on IHS sites

• Inconsistent ATS rating on panel and contactors

individual contactor/breaker rating.

• Poor installation cable burning and service disruption

• Cannibalization of asset (Monitoring display) modules have been removed

Solutions to ATS related faults on site

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