ABP systems are used for uninterrupted power supply of private houses, enterprises, and other objects. Automatic inclusion of a reserve increases the level of safety, prevents material losses. In some situations, eliminates threats to life and health. For the correct selection of components, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the principles of operation of specialized equipment.
What is an ABP device
Maintaining the working state of the power source is ensured using special engineering solutions. In the event of an emergency, the automation connects the generator. The necessary actions are performed without careful monitoring and intervention by the user.
The main functional components of a typical ABP system:
- control devices record changes in the electrical parameters of the power network;
- when registering a circuit break (short circuit) or deviation from the set threshold level, the automatics disconnects the damaged section;
- the alarm device reports a violation of the operating mode;
- the contact group connects the standby power source.
Next, they carry out the necessary measures to restore the regular system. The abbreviation (ABP) stands for "Automatic Input Reserve." In addition to the standby generator, they use switching to a workable network or a battery pack.
Appointment ABP
The functionality of the system is based on the principles of ensuring uninterrupted operation of the power source. Automation of the main processes implies the exclusion of the actions of maintenance and operational personnel. Professional equipment requirements are set out in the rules of the PUE. In particular, to connect consumers of the 1st category, an ABP scheme for 2 inputs with a sectioner on automatic machines is used.
Duplication of switchgears and other critical components provides a high level of reliability. Such blocks are designed for battery life. During the creation of design documentation, mutual influence is eliminated to prevent erroneous actions of the automatic transfer device.
The need to use such systems is illustrated by the example of a well-equipped private country house. As a rule, a local heating system is installed in such facilities. Management of a modern gas boiler is provided by electronics. For forced circulation of the coolant along the circuits, pumps are used. Disabling these components during severe frost provokes the destruction of pipes and radiators.
Repair and restoration work is much more expensive compared to the startup of a special generator. The availability of a standby power source is useful in case of accidents in power supply networks. If the voltage connection is fast enough, users will not experience discomfort.
Principle of operation
To study working algorithms, you can use an example of assembly on a simple element base.
- Constant monitoring of the electrical parameters of the main line is provided by the contactor.
- Alternating current through a circuit breaker in a closed circuit enters the local network to consumers.
- If the voltage disappears, the induction coil will not be able to hold the rod.
- The spring will move the backup input contact group through the drive to close.
- At the same time, the main machine is turned off.
- When voltage appears in the working line, the actions are performed in the reverse order.
Light bulbs in the respective circuits signal the start of certain modes.
System requirements
The functionality of the presented circuit is organic. If a malfunction in the main line is accompanied by a short circuit, reconnection provokes damage to the load. The reactive characteristics of electric motors have a certain effect. When a machine or a powerful fan is connected, a voltage drop can cause a false positive of the protection system.
Separately, consider the speed of connecting a spare source. At significant time intervals in some connected devices, local protection schemes are triggered. Similar situations are accompanied by malfunctions. They provoke breakdowns, accelerated wear of the drives.
To eliminate the shortcomings, control logic circuits created on the basis of electronic units with specialized software are used. Some components are equipped with mechanical locking units. Such elements remain operational when the main and emergency power are completely turned off.
The main requirements for the current level ABP:
- reliability of connecting a spare power source (IP) at peak loads and significant changes in the operating parameters of the network;
- sufficient speed to eliminate damage to electricity consumers;
- adjustable setting of threshold levels of protection system activation;
- blocking of connection to a circuit with short circuit and parallel connection of two inputs;
- single actuation;
- automated verification of the functional state of the backup IP.
Smooth switching is provided by adding transformers to the circuit.
Automation selection
Industrial equipment and professional equipment are equipped with automation as standard. At a minimum, they offer a box with a set of contactors for playing a protective algorithm. An emergency button is placed in the accessibility zone. If necessary, turn off the installation with one quick movement.
A specialized ABP shield can be purchased in assembled condition or create a functional analogue on your own. When choosing a finished product, you should pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer. A preliminary study of customer reviews and the opinions of experienced experts will come in handy.
In the lower price range, products of dubious origin are presented. If a single-phase ABP costs up to 1500-2000 p., One can hardly count on a long service life and high reliability. Fakes are characterized by poor assembly, poor quality contact groups. Quite often, in such models, low-power electronic keys are used that are not adapted to surges and loads with pronounced inductive characteristics.
From 4,000 to 8,000 p. You can find quality ABP little-known brands. Reliable equipment kits use electromechanical functional components.
In the range of 20,000 p. and above are products of responsible manufacturers. These products are officially warranted. Performance and other important parameters are controlled in each individual consignment.
Automation without controller
The decoding of the designation emphasizes the main feature of the equipment in this category. The “automatic” way of connecting a reserve of a modern level implies not only the lack of interference from users. An electronic controller provides an operational check of the status of the supply and backup networks. It blocks the execution of erroneous operations, prevents the occurrence of potentially dangerous situations. When choosing ATS, you should check the availability of this useful component.
ATS in 0.4 kV networks
For switching power circuits in networks with a relatively low voltage (0.4 kV), serial contactors with a magnetic drive are used. Also use starters complete with AB. The components of the circuit are selected taking into account current loads (power consumption).
Electric energy metering devices, surge protection devices, relays with a delay function to create an additional time interval before connecting the load are installed in typical ABP switchboards for 2 inputs.
ABP classification and implementation options
Apply the following schemes of organization of working algorithms:
- One-way means connecting backup input if necessary. For example, for temporary battery power.
- In two-sided execution, both sections are equivalent. Such a solution is used if switching to a backup network with similar parameters is possible.
Separately determine the logic of the recovery process. Use:
- subsequent automated connection to the main line;
- transition to backup power with a change of mode in manual control.
Features of working with household generators
The popularity of such a solution is due to the simplicity of the choice of equipment of the required power. In the corresponding market segment, generators are offered that are driven by gasoline (diesel, gas) engines for connecting to single and three-phase networks. They are designed for continuous continuous operation without careful monitoring. Autonomy actually depends only on the fuel supply.
To start the power unit, a sectional automation cabinet is equipped with a specialized control unit. It supplies power to the starter according to the established algorithm. In particular, you can configure the program to preheat the diesel engine in winter conditions.
ATS on batteries
Such backup power sources supply direct current to the line. To convert to a sinusoid of a certain amplitude (220 or 380 V), an inverter is used. The limited autonomy of this option should be understood. However, parallel connection of several batteries can provide the necessary time interval. A promising area is lithium-ion energy storage. They surpass lead-acid analogs in the main technical characteristics. High price limits widespread use. However, as demand increases and production increases, manufacturers begin to offer quality products at affordable prices.
Connecting the battery is easier compared to the generator. In this embodiment, the ATS can be assembled according to the standard scheme without a special engine start control unit.
Logic Controller Application
Such blocks are used to fine-tune the algorithm of work operations. Special regulators set the permissible percentage of voltage deviation from the nominal, time intervals, other parameters. The control signal circuits are connected to switching devices.
Organization of ABP in high voltage circuits
To simplify the control of the operating parameters of the network, a step-down transformer is used. A certain number of turns reduce the voltage from 1000 to 100 V. If you add a phase control relay to the control circuit, the connection of the reserve is performed when at least one line is cut off.
Wiring diagrams
The best option is chosen taking into account:
- power supply operating parameters;
- type of loads;
- special requirements for reserve entry speed and other parameters.
For single-phase networks when connecting a private house or a small commercial facility, you can use the simplest option on modular contactors with bipolar AB. The ABP circuit with a phase control relay for two inputs is used when connecting powerful loads. In the corresponding version, in addition to the voltage level, sinusoid distortions and the correct phasing are controlled.If you intend to work with several sources (more than two), create a system with the required number of inputs.
