Engineered For Greatness
Enhancing Reliability and Performance: Explore How Connectwell CIMRE Modules Ensure Seamless Power Transitions in ATS Panels
The transition from manual to automated operations in modern building and infrastructure management has spurred a significant electrification of systems, such as door control, water management, lighting, and security. To effectively manage these complex electrical systems, logic-powered control panels are essential, requiring uninterrupted power supply through devices like Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS). These control panels integrate various components including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Motor Controllers, Power Monitors, Sensors, and Switching Contactors to oversee, regulate, and execute system functions. Reliable and optimized relay-based interface modules facilitate seamless communication and data exchange among these diverse components, ensuring efficient and coordinated system performance.
What are Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Panels?
ATS panels (or automatic transfer switch panels) are used in combination with standby generators to automate the switch between the mains power source and a generator during a blackout. An ATS panel ensures that you do not have to manually switch to an alternative power supply. It monitors the incoming AC mains supply, transferring the electrical load to the standby generator during a power outage. When mains power is restored, the ATS panel switches back to the mains supply and shuts down the backup generator.
Why ATS Panels in Building and Infrastructure Projects?
Life safety systems are integral to building infrastructure, ensuring occupant protection from hazards like fire, smoke, and emergencies. These systems, ranging from fire alarms to emergency lighting, collaborate seamlessly to safeguard individuals during crises. Notably, Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) play a pivotal role in maintaining uninterrupted power supply to critical life safety systems, ensuring resilience and safety during unforeseen events.
Functions of a Relay Board in an ATS Panel for Building and Infrastructure
A relay board in an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) panel performs several critical functions to ensure reliable and efficient power management in building and infrastructure applications.
Here's a detailed explanation of these functions, illustrated with practical real-world examples.
Automatic Switching Between Power Sources
The primary function of the relay board in an ATS panel is to control the switching mechanism between the main power source (utility power) and the backup power source (generator or secondary power).
Load Management
The relay board helps manage different loads by prioritizing essential circuits and shedding non-essential ones during a power transfer to avoid overloading the backup generator. Prioritization of critical loads ensures that essential systems and equipment receive power first during a transfer to backup power.
Generator Control
To prevent overloading the generator, the relay board disconnects non-essential loads when switching to backup power. The relay board can also sequence the connection of loads to avoid a surge in demand that could overload the generator.
Status Monitoring and Indication
Relays on the board provide status indications for the operational state of the ATS panel and the power sources.
Vibration and Shock During Operation
Elevators are continuously exposed to vibrations and shocks, which can compromise the integrity of electrical connections. Micro spring terminal blocks are specifically designed to handle these challenges by providing:
Vibration Resistance - The spring mechanism maintains consistent pressure on the wire, ensuring a secure connection even under constant movement.
Shock Absorption - These terminal blocks can absorb shocks without losing connection integrity, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Technical Requirements as per IEC 60947
Micro terminal blocks must meet stringent technical requirements to ensure safety and performance:
Tensile Strength: Terminal blocks must withstand pulling forces without breaking or deforming, ensuring robust connections.
Elongation and Flexibility: They must exhibit excellent elongation properties to withstand bending and flexing without failure.
Pull-Out Force: Terminal blocks must maintain secure connections, preventing wire dislodgement due to vibrations and shocks.
Electrical Conductivity: High conductivity is essential to ensure efficient power distribution and signal transmission.
How are Relay Boards Connected in ATS Panels for Building and Infrastructure Projects?
Components Involved:
1. Main Power Source: The primary electricity supply from the utility grid.
2. Emergency Power Source: Usually a generator or a secondary utility feed.
3. ATS Controller: Manages the switch-over process.
4. Relays: Electromechanical switches controlled by the ATS controller.
5. Contactors: Heavy-duty switches that control the connection to the main and emergency power sources.
6. Sensors and Meters: Monitor voltage, frequency, and other electrical parameters.
Voltage Rating of Relay Boards used in ATS Panels
Control Voltage:
The voltage rating of relay boards used in ATS panels can vary depending on the specific application and design of the ATS system. However, typical voltage ratings for relays in ATS panels generally fall within the following ranges:
- Common Control Voltages: 12V DC, 24V DC, 48V DC, 120V AC, 240V AC
- These control voltages are used to activate the relay coils, which in turn control the switching mechanism.
Contact Voltage Rating:
- Low Voltage Applications: Up to 240V AC or DC
- Medium Voltage Applications: 480V AC
- High Voltage Applications: 600V AC or higher (in industrial and specialized applications)
- The contact voltage rating indicates the maximum voltage that the relay contacts can safely switch or interrupt.
Application of a 4-Channel Relay Board in an ATS Panel for Building and Infrastructure
In a high-rise office building, ensuring a reliable power supply is critical for safety, operational continuity, and tenant comfort. An ATS panel equipped with a 4-channel relay board can manage the transition between utility power and backup generators effectively.
Configuration and Application
- Channel 1: Utility Power Relay
- Channel 2: Generator Power Relay
- Channel 3: Critical Load Relay
- Channel 4: Non-Critical Load Relay
Channel 1: Utility Power Relay
Function - Controls the connection to the primary utility power.
Operation - In normal Conditions when the utility power is stable, this relay remains closed, maintaining the connection to the grid. And in power outage when a power outage is detected, the ATS panel signals this relay to open, disconnecting the building from the utility power to prevent back-feeding.
Example - During normal operations, the office building runs on utility power. This relay ensures a continuous connection to the grid, supplying power to all building systems.
Channel 2: Generator Power Relay
Function - Manages the connection to the backup generator.
Operation - In power outage, upon detecting a utility power failure, the ATS panel signals this relay to close after ensuring the generator has started and is providing stable power. And in power restoration, once utility power is restored and stable, this relay opens to disconnect the generator.
Example - During a power outage, the ATS panel initiates the start-up of the building’s backup generator. This relay then closes to transfer the load from the utility power to the generator, ensuring continuous power supply.
Channel 3: Critical Load Relay
Function - Ensures that critical systems remain powered during the switch to backup power.
Operation - In power outage, this relay is prioritized and remains closed to ensure critical systems like emergency lighting, fire alarms, and essential IT infrastructure are continuously powered. And in load shedding, during power transfer, this relay does not disconnect, ensuring critical loads are always supported.
Example - In the event of a power outage, critical systems such as emergency lighting and fire alarms must remain operational. This relay ensures these systems receive uninterrupted power from the generator , UPS or Battery powered system.
Channel 4: Non-Critical Load Relay
Function - Manages non-essential loads that can be temporarily disconnected to conserve generator capacity.
Operation - In power outage, this relay opens to shed non-critical loads, reducing the load on the generator. And in power restoration, after utility power is restored, this relay closes to reconnect non-critical loads.
Example - During a power outage, non-essential systems like general office lighting, HVAC in common areas, and non-critical office equipment are temporarily disconnected to ensure the generator can adequately support critical systems. This relay controls these non-critical loads, shedding them during the transfer to backup power and reconnecting them once utility power is restored.
Sequence of Operations During a Power Outage
Power Outage Detection:
- The ATS panel detects the loss of utility power.
- Channel 1 (Utility Power Relay) opens to disconnect the building from the utility power.
Generator Start-Up:
- The ATS panel signals the generator to start.
- Once the generator is running and stable, Channel 2 (Generator Power Relay) closes to connect the generator to the building’s electrical system.
Load Management:
- Channel 3 (Critical Load Relay) remains closed to ensure critical systems stay powered.
- Channel 4 (Non-Critical Load Relay) opens to shed non-essential loads, reducing the load on the generator.
Restoration of Utility Power:
- The ATS panel detects the restoration of stable utility power.
- Channel 2 (Generator Power Relay) opens to disconnect the generator.
- Channel 1 (Utility Power Relay) closes to reconnect the building to the utility power.
- Channel 4 (Non-Critical Load Relay) closes to reconnect non-essential loads.
Connectwell CIMRE: The Next Generation Relay Interface Modules
To further enhance the performance and reliability of ATS panels, Connectwell CIMRE (Connectwell Next Generation Relay Interface Modules) offers cutting-edge features designed to meet the demands of modern electrical systems.
Fully-enclosed IP20 Rated Design: Ensures no-shock hazards and protects critical components from heat or dust deterioration.
Custom Configurations up to 32 Channels: Accommodates last-minute changes or circuit extensions without replacing the existing module.
True 10 Amperes Performance: Guarantees a load current of 10 amperes with proven 70-micron PCB track and screw connection technology.
Ease of Wire Entry, Clearly Visible Status Indicators: Large guided wire entry points ensure quick, easy, and error-free wire insertion, with individually assigned LEDs for relay status indication.
Pre-installed Long Tail Jumpers: Enable quick and easy creation of common negative circuits with a safe IP20 socket design.
Industry-First Long-Life Laser Marking for Circuit Identification: Provides high-visibility and long-lasting laser markings on the module.
Compact and Secure Mounting: Offers 35% volumetric saving with a robust, spring-loaded latching mechanism for secure.
Conclusion
Connectwell CIMRE (Next Generation Relay Interface Modules) act as crucial communication links within ATS panels, facilitating smooth data transfer between system components. Connectwell CIMRE's distinctive attributes, including True 10A current handling, IP20 protection, laser-etched markings, and dual jumper options, contribute to enhanced system reliability and longevity.
Connectwell, your right connection partner
With more than 15 international product certifications backed by the most stringent quality standards, our products pass through more than 40 quality assurance tests. This has ensured a ready acceptance of Connectwell terminal blocks across 80+ countries and in thousands of projects and applications worldwide.
Through our 4 decades of experience with state-of-the-art operations which are ISO certified, Connectwell has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of terminal blocks in the world.
More than 1 million connections are made every day across the globe with Connectwell terminal blocks, making Connectwell a synonym for… the right connection.
To know more about how Connectwell can contribute to your applications, please reach out to us at connect@connectwell.com or +912517120600 / +912516762600