Experimental study platform of the automatic transfer switch used to power supplies back-up

This paper presents the practical implementation of an experimental platform used for the automatic transfer switch to the back-up power source. The automatic transfer switch concept represents the procedure of fast connection of the electrical consumers to a back-up electric power source. The connection to the back-up power source is necessary in the event of failure of the main power source. The experimental platform is designed to operate in automatic standard mode, manual mode and through a programmable logic controller. The selection´s mode of operation is determined by the operation´s key. The simulation of grid faults on the power supply is done by means of the controls and the variable voltage regulators located on the experimental platform. The automatic transfer switch is conditioned by the effective status of the power supply and minimum voltage allowed by devices. The signaling status of the power supply is performed based on the information received from relays of interface and programmable logic controllers. The platform presents to users two technologies able to achieve the same function. Thus, in case of the classic mode of the automatic transfer switch, the wired technology is used and this involves many components and related links. In case of the automatic transfer switch based on programmable logic controller, a technology based on programming is also implemented. Using this platform, the advantage of implementation of programmable logic controllers versus wired technology in industrial applications can be observed.