What is the ATS panel of the diesel generator?

In the modern world, dependent on electricity, any power outage can lead to serious losses – both in the industrial sphere and in everyday life of households. Diesel generators are used as a reliable backup power supply in such situations. But for this system to function automatically and smoothly, a key component is the so-called ATS panel (automatic transfer switch). It acts as an intelligent controller that monitors the presence of mains voltage and controls the switching on of the generator.

What is an ATS panel?

ATS is an abbreviation for “Automatic Transfer Switch”. This is an electrical panel or device that automatically switches the electrical supply from the mains to a diesel generator in the event of an interruption or drop in the mains voltage.

The function of the ATS panel is to:

•Detect an interruption or violation in the supplied mains voltage;

•Start the diesel generator automatically;

•Transfers power from the grid to the generator;

•After the grid is restored, transfers power back to the main grid;

•Stops the generator after a certain time of operation when the grid is stabilized

Main components of the ATS panel

A typical ATS panel includes several main components that interact with each other:

1. Contactor system or automatic switch

This is the main mechanism that physically transfers power between two sources: grid and generator. Contactors or motorized automatic circuit breakers are usually used.

2. Control module (controller)

This is the “brain” of the panel. The controller monitors the grid voltage, issues a command to start/stop the generator and manages the switching. More advanced controllers have displays, communication ports and even remote monitoring capabilities.

3. Sensors and measuring devices

These components measure the parameters of the grid and the generator – voltage, frequency, current, etc. The information is used by the controller to make decisions.

4. Power supply for the panel

Some ATS panels have their own backup power supply (for example, UPS or batteries), which ensures the operation of the controller in the event of a complete lack of voltage.

5. Cable fittings, terminals and protections

Like any electrical panel, the ATS includes fuses, relays, distribution bars and cable fittings for connection to the generator and the electrical installation.

Principle of operation of the ATS panel

1. Normal state (normal network operation)

In the presence of stable network voltage, the ATS maintains a connection to the main power supply. The generator is in standby mode or completely turned off.

2. Loss of network voltage

When the controller detects that the voltage in the network is below the permissible threshold (or is completely absent), it triggers the automatic start of the generator. After reaching stable parameters on the part of the generator, the panel switches the load to it.

3. Grid Recovery

When the grid voltage is restored and stabilized, the controller waits a preset time interval (to avoid “false starts”), then switches back to the grid and stops the generator.

4. Automatic or Manual Mode

Most ATS panels have a manual control option, which is useful for testing or service activities.

The ATS panel is a critical element in diesel generator backup power systems. It provides automatic, safe and reliable switching between the grid and the generator, minimizing the risk of data loss, equipment damage or inconvenience during outages.