ATS automation for generators

ATS - Automatic activation of the backup generator.

We continue the series of articles on the topic autonomous power supply of a private house.

In previous articles, we examined in sufficient detail various types of autonomous sources of electricity, namely UPS (uninterruptible power supplies on rechargeable batteries) and GU generator sets.

There was also an article about how to combine two devices - a mini-power station and a UPSto achieve maximum results during operation.

In this article we will consider the device through which the mini-power plant is controlled. The name of this device is ATS-automatic backup power.

Almost all mini-power plants, and no matter how quiet they work, give out quite a lot of unpleasant decibels.

For example, in a relatively quiet HONDA mini-power plant, with a power of 5-6 kW, the noise level is about 70 dB. A diesel power plant, even equipped with a noise-absorbing hood, produces about 60-70 dB.

To get rid of unpleasant noise, many homeowners take generators as far away from the house as possible, build separate buildings for generators. Some even build underground bunkers where these same decibels hide.

Removing the generator from home from home creates one rather unpleasant problem - controlling the generator at the time of disconnection of the main (city) electricity.

Let's imagine the order of your actions in order to supply electricity to your house, if suddenly, unexpectedly, unexpectedly, a power outage occurred.

1) Disconnect the input circuit breaker on the shield so that when the generator is running, there will be no “meeting” of city electricity and the electricity that your generator generates. If the “meeting” did occur, at best, protection on the generator will work, but if it doesn’t have time to work, then repairing the generator will cost you pretty well.

2) Go to the generator and start it

3) Let the generator warm up

4) Supply electricity to the house

After the appearance of city electricity, you will need to go through the procedure with the generator again, but in the reverse order. And it’s good if there is a person in the house who will dress in the rain and snow and go to perform this whole ritual ... Well, if at home only his beloved wife and little child ...

But, as you know, mother is laziness, the engine of progress, and in order not to make all these movements, smart guys came up with a device called ATS-automatic backup power.

The purpose of this device is to control the generator (start-stop), followed by connecting backup electricity to the facility.

Almost all such devices work on the same principle, differ only in functionality, build quality and components, and, accordingly, price.

The algorithm of the ABP-automation for the generator:

1) Voltage monitor on the main line

2) When the main electricity is turned off, the generator starts

3) Generator warm-up

4) Switching the load on the PG (generator set)

5) When electricity appears on the main line (from the city)., The load is switched to the city

6) Next, stop the generator.

This is how the most simple ATS, which is designed for a simple start-stop generator station .

But there are more modern models of devices. The functionality of such devices is quite wide. All of them are built on modern programmable processors.Such automation controls not only the presence of voltage in the network, but also its rating, according to the upper and lower limits, by the voltage difference between the phases. In the case of going beyond the permissible parameters, switching to the PG also occurs.

Exist AVR models that can be independently programmed, set the necessary parameters for normal and correct operation of the generator.

For example, 20-40 seconds are enough for some generators to reach the normal operating mode, while others will return to normal mode after 3-5 minutes.

And, in addition, the operation algorithm, control of diesel and gasoline power plants is slightly different. All this together requires additional settings.

More modern ABP models allow you to control the operation of the generator remotely via the Internet.

Almost all domestic power plants, namely this segment of stations we are considering, operate from one fueling for about 7-9 hours. But, if at the moment of power outage there is no one at home, then for the sake of one refrigerator or gas boiler to “drive” a generator that “eats” 3-4 liters of fuel per hour, as it is not entirely rational.

In order to increase the battery life of the generator from a single fueling, some automation models provide an economical mode of operation.

This mode, depending on the settings, allows the generator set to work at certain intervals, for example, it is set to work after three hours. That is, the station works an hour, three rests. During this time, the refrigerator does not defrost, the house does not cool down. Accordingly, the operating time from one refueling increases significantly.

In addition to fuel economy, the station’s engine life is also significantly increased, which is also important.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the use of high-quality automation greatly simplifies the operation of the generator, and allows almost anyone to control the work on the generator.

When choosing automation for a mini-power plant, we advise you to contact specialized organization-firms, companies that sell, install and install automation. It is advisable that this company be with you in the same city-region, so that in case of malfunctions they can eliminate the malfunction as soon as possible.

After the installation of automation, it is advisable to draw up an act of work performed, where the main obligations of the parties will be written. In the future, if disputes arise, this document will greatly facilitate the resolution of problems.

Sergey Seromashenko