DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN AUTOMATIC CHANGEOVER

SWITCH
BY

OGBUGO ARINZE
050403081

A PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
OF THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) DEGREE
IN
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

PROJECT SUPERVISOR: PROF C.O.A AWOSOPE


UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS
NOVEMBER 2009

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that OGBUGO ARI NZE carried out the design and construction of a THE
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN AUTOMATIC CHANGE-OVER SWITCH, as
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science
(Honours) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, University of Lagos.





______________________________ ______________________________
OGBUGO ARINZE .M Professor O.A AWOSOPE
050403081 PROJECT SUPERVISOR





_______________________________
Dr. A.A AYORINDE
PROJECT COORDINATOR






DEDICATION
I dedicate this project to Almighty God for the wisdom, understanding, knowledge and strength
to write this project.
I also dedicate this project to my parents Mr & Mrs. Ogbugo, and my aunts for their love,
support, advice and financial support throughout my stay in school.

















ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
There are lots of people who influenced and contributed invariably to the success of this project.
Firstly, I give thanks to Almighty God for his guidance, blessings and protection during my stay
at UNILAG.
I wish to express my profound thanks to my parents Mr. & Mrs. Ogbugo for their love, care and
encouragement throughout my stay in school.
I also extend my gratitude to Mrs. Uche Emodi, Ms.Aina Igboji and Mr. & Mrs. Dureke for their
love and support during my industrial training period.
I also acknowledge my friends who have always been true friend and the rest of the class of 09.
Not to be forgotten is the effort made by my supervisor Professor C.O.A Awosope, without
whose expertise this project wouldn't have been possible.












TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
Certification... ii
Dedication......... iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of Content v
Chapter One: Introduction. 2
1.1 Project Aims and Objectives 3
1.2 Target Beneficiaries. 4
Charter Two: literature Review. 5
Chapter Three: Design of an Automatic Changeover Switch. 8
3.1 Problem statement/Design problem..8
3.2 Relevance of project 10
3.3 Method of solution/Design procedure. 10
3.4 Theory of devices 15
Chapter Four: Components selection and computational results.. 19
4.1 Selection of components.. 19
4.2 Observation. 21
4.3 Results. 22
4.4 Discussion of results obtained. 22
Chapter Five: Conclusion and Recommendation. 23
References 24
ABSTRACT
The main aim of any electric power supply in the world is to provide uninterrupted power supply
at all times to all its consumers. Although, in developing countries, the electric power generated
to meet the demands of the growing consumers of electricity is insufficient, hence power
instability and outage.
Power instability or outage in general does not promote development in the public and private
sector. The investors do not feel secure to come into a country with constant or frequent power
failure. These limit the development of industries. In addition, there are processes that cannot be
interrupted because of their importance for instance, surgery operation in hospitals, transfer of
money between banks and lots more. Power instability and outage in developing countries
(Nigeria) creates a need for alternative sources of power to backup the mains supply.
Automatic changeover switches find a wide application scope wherever the reliability of
electrical supply from the utilities is low and it is used in lighting/motor circuits wherever
continuity of supply is necessary, for switching to an alternative source from main supply and
vice versa.
This project is a design of an automatic changeover switch. This means that when there is any
mains failure, the automatic changeover switch will change to an alternative power supply
(Generator), and back to the main supply when it is restored.
The purpose of this project is to maintain constant supply to the main circuit that is being
supplied by making-up for the time lapse or delay that usually accompanies the manual
switching from one source to another.
The design comprises of the power connection circuit and control connection circuit. The main
components to be used include; contactors, relays and timer.



CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The need for continuous power supply and its reliability has increased rapidly over the years,
especially in all those areas where uninterrupted power supply is a must. Modern systems are
power dependent. Their complexity has increased as continuous information and
communications are needed to control automated process, be in industries, commercial
complexes, hospitals, hotels or even modern residences. The need, as such, for independent
standby power system has therefore increased manifold. The power distribution, control,
monitoring and protection of standby power systems need to be integrated. Standby generator
systems, for example are required to serve:-
Sensitive Loads- are supplied by UPS systems. The period of non-availability of power, before
the standby supply takes over, is bridged by battery banks. Typical loads are computers, hospital
equipments, micro processor controlled industrial machines etc.
Critical Loads- these mostly involve standby generator systems which supply power to lighting
systems, air conditioning, elevators etc in Airports, Hotels and commercial complexes.
Essential Loads- these also use standby generator systems mostly in process industries as they
relate to high restarting times or high down times. Automatic transfer from mains supply to
standby supply is vital for all the above kinds of loads.
(11)

In the event of power failure, the standby power is usually expected to take over automatically.
Electrical starting equipment, battery bank and diesel generator are required for the automatic
operation. The automatic transfer is achieved mostly by automatic mains failure systems. The
process of on-load transfer has to be monitored and controlled for a smooth Changeover and
within safety limits of all elements of the system. This is achieved by an Automatic Changeover
Switch.
Changeover switches find a wide application wherever the reliability of electrical supply from
the utilities is low and they are used in lighting/motor circuits wherever continuity of supply is
necessary, for switching to an alternative source from mains supply and vice versa. They are
switch disconnectors with independent manual operation capable of making, carrying and
breaking currents under normal circuit conditions which may include operating overload
conditions and also carrying currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions such as those
of short circuit for a specified time.
(1)

Automatic changeover switch (also known as automatic transfer switch ATS) is an integral part
of a power generation process, allowing smooth and immediate transfer of electric current
between multiple sources and load. When the generator is in operation, the transfer switch
prevents any feedback current to the load. It also ensures that the different power sources are
synchronized before the load is transferred to them. The transfer switch senses when there is
interruption if the mains supply remains absent. Fluctuations and voltage drop below a particular
level within a specified time in the mains supply will also cause the automatic transfer switch to
transfer the load to the generator. The starting of the generator is done by a relay which switches
the battery voltage to the ignition coil of the generator. In about a few seconds when the
generator is producing full power, the transfer switch disconnects the load from the mains supply
and connects it to the generator supply, restoring electricity to the load. The transfer switch
continues to monitor the mains supply and when it is restored, it switches the load from the
generator back to the mains supply. Once the generator is disconnected, it goes through a cool
down routine and shuts down automatically.
(2)

1.1 PROJECT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of this project is to
1. Design and construction of an automatic changeover switch that will switch load from the
mains power supply (PHCN supply) to a back-up power supply (generator) with
simplicity.
2. Introduction of a circuitry that will sense power outage and at the same time sense
fluctuation in power supplied to the load at any point in time.



1.2 TARGET BENEFICIARIES
This project will provide a lasting solution to the heavy losses incurred by commercial
institutions, industries, hospitals, airports, etc caused by poor power change-over. It will also be
of use in our households because poor power change-over also causes damage to our household
equipment e.g. electronics like television, radio, video players and electrical appliances like
refrigerators, air conditioners, fans, etc. Poor power change-over can also lead to loss of human
life and this project will be designed to eliminate these losses.
















CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
The purpose of this project is to design and construct this unique equipment that provides a
solution to the erratic power supply problem we are facing in Nigeria today. The automatic
changeover switch can be described as a unique switching system, which can be used to change
from one power supply to another as well as maintaining constancy in the supply to a particular
network or load. This equipment to be designed and constructed in this project will interface
between two different electrical power sources (e.g. the mains supply and the generator).
The main source of supply to the unit is obtained directly from the public supply (PHCN). The
Relaying & Triggering system serves as an interface between the public supply and the load;
hence the load is not directly coupled to the public supply. The triggering unit is also coupled
with the Generator output to provide a connection between the generator and the load. When
there is power outage from the public supply, the relay and triggering unit sense the failure in
supply and immediately trigger the ignition switch of the generator.

Power change-over switches are of two different mode of operation. Namely:
Manual change-over switch (manual mode of operation)
In this mode of operation when there is any mains failure i.e. PHCN outage, there is need for a
personnel to start the generator manually and wait till the generator attains synchronous speed.
Only after the generator attains synchronous speed can the operator transfer the load to the
generator. In the event that the main supply is restored the operator has to transfer the load back
to the mains supply and turn off the generator. This is done by manually releasing the
changeover breakers. To ensure safety of this operation, the two breakers of the change-over
switch must be interlocked. This involves quite a number of personnel as this operation is quite
cumbersome. Restoration of power is usually a prolonged process which causes delay. The
process may also result in heavy losses and damage could be done to sensitive loads during this
manual process.
(3)

Automatic change-over switch (automatic mode of operation)
In this mode of operation when there is any mains failure, there is no need of the employment of
the personnel as the change-over switch will start the generator automatically upon it sensing
power from the mains supply and thereafter switches the load to the generator supply upon it
attaining synchronous speed. Upon restoration of the mains supply, the switch again senses it and
transfers the load back to the mains supply.

The type of automatic changeover switch used which differs from the other (semiconductor
controlled switching type) in terms of the type of load transfer or switching panel is the pure
relay switching type.
The Pure Relay Switching (and contactors)
This design of load transfer panel makes use of mainly relays and contactor combination. Its
operation is based on the hierarchical rank of contactor relays. It consists of some relays which
serves several purposes. These are -
1. Mains contactors- it carries the bulk of the load with the aid of its auxiliary. When the
mains supply (PHCN supply) is ON, the mains contactor responds to the input by closing
its contacts which enables it to get energized causing indicator lamps on the panel to
illuminate. Illumination of these lamps indicates that the mains supply is ON.
2. Mains auxiliary contactor- it is usually present in the generator circuit. When there is
power outage in the mains supply, the contacts of the mains auxiliary contactor which are
in the generator circuit close thereby sending a signal to start the generator.
3. Generator contactor- after starting the generator automatically, the load is then transferred
to the generator via the generator contactor.
(d) Generator auxiliary contactor it is the generator auxiliary contactor that is responsible for
ensuring that only a power source gets to the load at a point in time. When there is
mains supply failure, it breaks the mains supply line to the load before the generator
line is activated. Upon restoration of the mains power supply, the generator auxiliary
again breaks the generator line before the load is transferred to the mains supply.
(7)


Because this design makes use of relay and contactor combination, it is said to have the
following advantages:
It can switch alternating currents.
It can switch high voltages.
It is useful when high currents are to be used.
It can switch many contacts at once. This quantity makes them flexible.
It has the following drawbacks:
Poor sensing ability to fluctuations due to the fact that relays do not function optimally at
low voltages.
Switching time in the event of mains power supply outage is slow because switching is
done on the basis of energizing and de-energizing of the relay coils.
Relays generate a lot of heat during switching actions which could cause short circuits
which are very hazardous.
Relays draw a lot of power from the supply thereby increasing the overall power
consumed by the load.
(5)

In times like this, there is really no new invention rather what we have now are just
improvement and innovation on fundamental principles of obtaining the desired results.
Hence, the automatic changeover switch that is designed and constructed is an improvement
on what others have done over the years. A past project was designed such that is being
supplied from just three power sources.
The present design is such that it would take two different sources simultaneously and also give
preference to this power sources with the unique ability to ensure that there is always power
supply to the load at all times.


CHAPTER THREE
3.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT/DESIGN PROBLEM
The automatic changeover switch that is being designed will be a complete system with various
sub-systems and components arranged and linked to function primarily as a means of
manipulating the supply of electrical power to any desired load.
A changeover switch can generally be described as a device that allows the conversion from one
source of power or state to another (e.g. supply from PHCN to supply from a standby generator).
The switching that is obtainable from the ordinary changeover switch is usually manual, that is,
the user will have to move a lever to change from one source to another. This is usually
associated with time wasting as well as some health hazards like electric shock.
In other to eliminate this human intervention as well as introducing some speed and precision,
there is the need for an automatic changeover switch. This is typically a switching system whose
function is based on the predetermined configuration of the unit. It selects the available power
source without the intervention of the user, hence, ensuring the availability of supply at all times
provided that at least one power source is available. The change from one source to another can
only be achieved by device or a system that determines when the change should actually take
place and which source to be given preference to supply the load. This brings about the need for
unique control system.
The basic problem to be addressed will be how to connect two different sources of electrical
power simultaneously to a single unit (the automatic changeover switch) that can serve as a link
between these power sources and the load or network. Moreover, preference will be given to the
power sources such that only one source supplies the load at a time and when the first (mains)
source fails, the link immediately connects the second (generator) source to the load.
The block diagram depicted in figure 2.1 shows the interaction between the power sources, the
control system and the load.

Fig. 3.1: the block diagram of the Automatic Change-over Switch

The design problem can be subdivided into basically two sections, namely:
The power section
The control section
3.1.1 THE POWER SECTION
This is the section that will supply and handle all the power requirements of the automatic
changeover switch. The two input power sources will be handled by this subunit as well as the
final output to be supplied to the load. It will also provide the necessary control voltage needed
by the control section of the unit as a whole.
3.1.2 THE CONTROL SECTION
This is actually the brain of the automatic changeover switch. It is the part of the unit that will
perform the necessary switching based on the pre-wired configuration of the Relaying and
Triggering system to be developed. This will ensure that only one source actually supplies the
load at all times and the required preference for the power sources will be achieved by this
subunit.
3.2 RELEVANCE OF THE PROJECT
The purpose of this project is to design and construct this unique equipment that provides a
solution to the erratic power supply problem we are facing in Nigeria today. The automatic
changeover switch can be described as a unique switching system, which can be used to change
from one power supply to another as well as maintaining constancy in the supply to a particular
network or load. This equipment to be designed and constructed in this project will interface
between two different electrical power sources (e.g. the mains supply and the generator.
The uniqueness of this equipment lies in its ability to maintain constant supply to the main circuit
that is being supplied by making-up for the time lapse or delay that usually accompanies the
manual switching from one source to another

3.3 METHOD OF SOUTION/ DESIGN PROCEDURE
The aim of this section/chapter is to transform the theory of the design problem as well as the
block diagram of the automatic change-over switch into a realistic unit. The two sections that
make up the unit will be realized electrically as much as possible using the available components
and devices.
3.3.1 WORKING OF THE CHANGEOVER
When there is no supply from the MAINS, the main contactor is disengaged (lines from utility
are open) and the voltage relay will close the auxiliary contact to the timer (few minutes to
warm) and to the switching circuit of the engine for starting up of the generator after few
minutes. The timer auxiliary contact will close, thus energizing the main magnetic coil of the
generator contactor to the load. Upon sensing supply again from mains, the auxiliary normally
open contact (which closes when there is voltage) will de-energize the generator contactor and
time in the timer (few minutes), normally open contact will latch and energize the mains
contactor coil and closes it. There is also interlocking such that the main contactor will not close
if generator contactor is closed and vice versa.
(5)


3.3.2 REALIZATION OF POWER SECTION
The basic function of this section is to handle the two input power sources and the output source.
3.3.2.1 OPERATION OF THE POWER CIRCUIT
This is the circuit that does the actual switching of the load from the mains to the generator and
vice-versa. It consists of relays which are energized or de-energized depending on the signal it
receives from the control circuit. The relays are connected in such a way that when its contact is
in the normally opened position, the load is connected to the mains supply and at normally
closed position the load is connected to the generator. Upon energizing the relay, which is an
indication that there is need for power supply change, its contacts move from their normally
closed position to the normally opened position. When the mains supply is restored the control
circuit again sends a signal to the relay to de-energize it causing it to move its contacts back to
the normally closed position.
MAINS: when current gets to the interlocking relay, it disconnects/interlocks the GENERATOR
contactor coil from the MAINS. The Timer is energized thereby closing the circuit; it passes
through the auxiliary contact of the GENERATOR contactor to the coil of the MAINS contactor,
which energizes it. It disconnects the coil of the GENERATOR contactor.

GENERATOR: when there is phase failure, no current gets to the interlocking relay thereby
leaving the relay closed. Current from the GENERATOR passes through the auxiliary contact of
the MAINS contactor to the GENERATOR contactor coil thereby energizing it. It
disconnects/interlocks the MAINS contactor/supply.
(8)


Fig 3.2: Power diagram of the circuit

3.3.3 REALIZATION OF THE CONTROL SECTION
This is actually the heartbeat of the unit; it controls everything on the unit. Here versatile relays
are used and are configured to achieve the required isolation and preference for the power source
such that only one will supply the load at all time.

3.3.3.1 OPERATION OF THE CONTROL CIRCUIT
The control provides an Automatic Transfer Switch function, which monitors the incoming AC
mains (utility) supply and should a mains failure occur the control will instruct the Generator to
start and take load. When the mains supply returns within limits, the control, after a configurable
stabilization time period, will transfer the load back to the mains. The Generator will then be
requested to stop after a predetermined cool-down period.
Simple operation is provided via a two-way key switch located on the panel.
Auto Mode
Manual Mode
Operation: -
Auto mode
When selected, the controller will await a mains failure. Once detected, the control will initiate
its pre-configured start sequence, observing the Start Delay Timer before starting the Generator
(by closing the kick-starter relay). When the mains supply returns the control will initiate its pre-
configured stopping sequence by opening the auxiliary fuel solenoid relay (which opens the fuel
solenoid relay thereby stopping fuel from getting to the Generator).
Manual mode
The manual switch is used to start the Generator (which closes the kick starter relay) on a mains
failure and supplies a signal to close the Generator contactor. I t does not initiate an automatic
transfer back to the mains on its return.
NB: When current passes through the auxiliary fuel solenoid relay (mains), the normally closed
relay becomes open and if no current passes through the auxiliary fuel solenoid relay (mains
failure), it remains closed.
(5)

Fig
3.3: the control diagram of the circuit


3.3.4 Timing circuit
Also the timing circuit also determines when switching is to occur. This is because
the generator needs to reach synchronous speed before the load can be transferred to
it. Taking this into consideration, the timing circuit thus gives the required delay the
generator needs before load is been transferred to it.

3.4 THEORY OF DEVICES
CHANGEOVER CONTACTORS
A contactor is an electro-magnetic switching device used for remotely switching a power or
control circuit or is a of class of switching device designed to make and break electric circuit by
remote control that may be either automatic or manual. A contactor is activated by a control
input which can be a lower or higher voltage / current than that which the contactor is switching.
Contactors come in many forms with varying capacities and features. Unlike a circuit breaker, a
contactor is not intended to interrupt a short-circuit current
Its function is to break high current by low current device and to provide continuous service and
to use a relatively small amount of electrical power to control the switching of a large amount of
power. In a contact, the main contacts are closed and maintained in the closed position by
operating coil that carries current continuously. As soon as the coil is de-energized by a turn OFF
switch or STOP push button (or some other devices), the contact will open under the force of its
own weight and the springs incorporated in the contact system.
In this project, a pair (mains and generator) of 4-pole change-over contactors rated to conform
to the output of the set and which are mechanically and electrically interlocked.
Other arrangements such as remote contactor panels, oversize contactors to suit mains supply,
etc are available in application.

START/STOP PUSH BUTTONS
A switch is a non-automatic mechanical device capable of opening and closing a circuit under
normal load conditions. Switches are hand operated and have a quick make and break action to
enable loads to be switched in or out without undue arcing. Usually switches are air-break but oil
immersed switches may be used for heavy current position.
The start push button is a normally open (N.O) contact whereby it closes the circuit when
pressed. Also the stop push button is a normally closed (N.C) type which de-energizes the circuit
when pressed. The connection are made to the normally open and normally close terminals of the
start/stop buttons respectively
FUSES
Individual circuits such as voltmeters, shutdown circuits, etc. are adequately protected by
individual fuses.
TIME DELAY
Time delays of the plug-in type are used to limit engine cranking in the event of failure to start
and to delay the load transfer until the generator set output is stabilized at its nominal output.
Further delays such as three-attempt start, start delay, restoration delay and overrun are available
as extras.
MAINS VOLTAGE SENSING
The standard arrangement is the provision of a 3-phase sensing unit-failure of any phase of the
supply down to 85% of its nominal value will cause the generator to start.
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
A suitable scaled 83 x 68mm, voltmeter and ammeter are fitted as standard. A well positioned
combined voltmeter/ammeter switch selects individual line to line voltage and line current.


DUTY SELECTOR SWITCH
4-position; off/ auto/ manual/ test; manual allows the set to be started by push-button, test
simulates a mains failure to check operations but without load transfer.
BATTERY CHARGER
A dual rate mains fed battery charger is provided as standard; automatic or constant potential
chargers can be fitted as option.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Circuit breakers are protective components used to isolate or disconnect a faulty electrical
component or circuit from the supply at a very short time without causing damage to the
equipment. It is a mechanical switching device capable of making and breaking current under
normal circuit condition. Circuit breakers have both short-circuit and overload protective
devices. Their advantage over fuse is that they can be used again after a fault.
A 3-pole manually operated circuit breaker with non-expendable thermo-magnetic type overload
protection is fitted as standard. Automatic load isolation is delayed in the event of moderate but
protracted overloads; however, a short-circuit condition at the output causes immediate isolation
of the load.
RELAY
A relay is an electric switch that opens and closes under control of another electrical circuit. In
the original form, the switch is operated by an electromagnet to open or close one or many sets
of contacts. Because a relay is able to control an output circuit of higher power than the input
circuit, it can be considered, in a broad sense, to be a form of electrical amplifier.
The electromagnetic relay consists of a multi-turn coil, wound on an iron core, to form an
electromagnet. When the coil is energized, by passing current through it, the core becomes
temporarily magnetized.


Relays used are;
Interlocking relay
Fuel solenoid relay
Auxiliary fuel solenoid relay
Phase monitoring relays (3)

INTERLOCKING RELAY; this relay does the work of the changing over. It is responsible for
ensuring that only a source of power gets to the load at a point in time. It disconnects/interlocks
the GENERATOR contactor coil from the mains (or MAINS contactor coil from GENERATOR)
when there is a changeover.
KICK STARTER RELAY; It is responsible for the starting up of the generator.
FUEL SOLENOID RELAY; It is responsible for supplying fuel to the generator.
AUXILIARY FUEL SOLENOID RELAY; supplies power to the fuel solenoid relay and helps in
changing over.
PHASE MONITORING RELAYS; monitors the three phase from the mains side and ensures
that the generator will start in the event of loss of supply in any phase.
Phase monitoring relays offer protection against phase failure, phase unbalance, phase sequence
reversal conditions which are dangerous.







CHAPTER FOUR
COMPONENTS SELECTION AND COMPUTATIONAL RESULTS
4.1 SELECTION OF COMPONENTS
This design is intended to power a load of 25kVA
Using the formula
Where:
V is line voltage = 415V
I is Full load current
is power factor = 0.8
P is induction motor rating = 25KVA

Calculating current using a power factor of 0.8,

CIRCUIT BREAKER DESIGN
Two circuit breakers of different ratings will be used here. The first will be for the power
(Generator) circuit and the second for the control circuit.
The breaker to be used for the power circuit must have a rating of more than 15A. For this
design, a 30 Amps 3 pole (3-phase) circuit breaker will be used.
For the control circuit, the breaker to be used will be a 6Amps single pole breaker. This is
because the current in the control circuit is measured in mA

CONTACTOR DESIGN
In choosing the contactors to be used, the running currents would be considered. The full load
current is 43.48A. At starting, current passes through the Mains or Generator contactor to the
load.
The contactor to be used will have a rating higher than 44Amps.A contactor of 50Amps will be
selected for the Mains and Generator contactors.
RELAY DESIGN
Relays with the following parameters were used for the design:
D.C rating 10A/12V
A.C rating 5A/220V

ELECTRONIC TIMER AND INDICATION LAMP
These components work with single phase voltages. Their operating voltage should be:


CONDUCTOR DESIGN
An approximation sometimes used for design of copper conductor is:

of the conductor will carry 1000A of current.
Since Full Load Current is approximately 43.48A,
Conductor dimension is



Cable diameter is;

4.2 OBSERVATION
The control circuit of the Automatic change-over switch was tested on a three-phase supply by
connecting wires from the mains to both the Mains and Generator contactors. It was observed
that with the selector switch on the Mains side in the ON position, the mains contactor was
energized immediately. When the selector switch was turned to the OFF position representing
Mains failure, the Generator contactor was energized with the selector switch on the generator
side in the auto position. When MAINS was restored by switching the Mains selector switch
back ON, the mains contactor was immediately energized again.

During normal operation, automatic change-over switch supplies load from MAINS. The
generator fuel solenoid relay is energized. A generator start signal is given (automatically or
manually). If after five seconds no indication is received that the generator has started, the
cranking signal is terminated and a fail to start indication is given. Under these conditions, the
fuel solenoid signal is maintained to permit subsequent manual starting. Should the generator fail
during operation, this indicator provides a warning.






4.3 RESULTS
All tests were carried out at a voltage of 240V a.c.
SOURCE(S) DETAILS OF SOURCES OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
PHCN 234.9
GENERATOR 237.4

4.4 DISCUSION OF RESULTS OBTAINED
The testing and result obtained above show that;
Output voltage from the generator is greater than the output voltage from the mains. The above
observation shows that there is always a drop in voltage from the nominal value. This voltage
drop is as a result of the number of relays that comes into operation during this mode when the
unit is powered.









CHAPTER FIVE
RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSIONS
RECOMMENDATION
The automatic changeover switch is needed in every home because of the following
disadvantages:
its reliability
its durability
it is affordable
Its ability to provide immediate automatic switching from the public power source to
other sources.
It is recommended that further work be done onthis changeover switch on a larger scale, for
instance an automatic change-over switch that can cater for an estate.

CONCLUSIONS
The automatic changeover switch has immense advantage in every area where power is required.
It is a fact that there is hardly any aspect of human life where electrical power is not required, at
homes, offices, hospitals, etc.
It finds a wide application scope wherever the reliability of electrical supply from the utilities is
low and is used wherever continuity of supply is necessary, for switching to an alternative source
from main supply and vice versa.





REFERENCES
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rd
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2. Electrical Power Systems, M. V. Deshpande, Fourth reprint, 1984, TATA
McGRAW HILL Inc, New Delhi.
3. Elements of Power Systems Analyis, William D, Stevenson Jr. 4
th
edition,
1982, McGRAW Hill Inc. USA.
4. Electrical Energy Systems Theory, Olle I. Elgerd, second edition, 1983,
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