Multi-mode Automatic Transfer Switching Apparatus for Flexible Power Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Automatic Transfer Switching (ATS) systems face limitations in flexibility and complexity, particularly in managing multiple operation modes and power source configurations, leading to increased human intervention and operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A multi-type and multi-mode ATS apparatus with a role judging device, trigger action acquiring device, and trigger action performing device, which receives indication signals to determine the Normal Primary and Back-up power sources and perform corresponding trigger actions, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced human intervention across various operation modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the ATS system supports multiple operation modes (ACO type, GEN type, auto-return mode, no-return mode, self-return mode), then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation mode flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ATS apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different operation modes (ACO type, GEN type, auto-return mode, no-return mode, self-return mode) within a single unified system. The control unit can adaptively switch between these modes based on input signals, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices and thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic configuration where the operation mode can be changed during runtime through input signals. The control unit dynamically adjusts the switching logic and operational parameters based on the selected mode, enabling the system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate fixed-configurations for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the ATS system provides comprehensive power supply management with multiple switches and power sources, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidswitching system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power source management functions into a single integrated ATS apparatus. By merging the control logic for normal primary lines, back-up sources, and multiple operation modes into one unified system with a centralized control unit, the design reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining comprehensive power supply reliability through coordinated switching between multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2903129B1Multi-type and multi-mode automatic transfer switching apparatus and method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP2903129B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2903129B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2903129B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A multi-type and multi-mode Automatic Transfer Switching (ATS) apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The ATS and its method according to the present disclosure take abnormal switch actions and abnormal voltage status into consideration, a configuration of the ATS according to the present disclosure is more flexible, which can support various operation modes of the ATS, and a Normal Primary line supplying power can be any one of two power supplying sources; an enumeration of the working conditions is simpler, and its operation is safer and more reliable. The ATS according to the present disclosure allows a parallel coupling.