The Essential Guide to Mains-Generator Dual Power Supply Systems

Dual Power Supply System: Mains Power and Generator

A dual power supply system with mains power and generator refers to the simultaneous installation of both mains power and generator power sources at a power consumption site. In the event of a mains power failure, an automatic transfer device switches the load to generator power to ensure continuity and reliability of power supply.

Mains Power (Primary Source):
Typically refers to electricity provided by the national grid, serving as the main power supply.

Generator (Backup Source):
Usually refers to diesel generators or other types of generators that serve as backup power when mains power is interrupted.

Dual Power Automatic Transfer Switch (ATSU/ATS):
An automated switching device that monitors the status of mains power and automatically transfers the load to generator power when mains power fails. This switch enables automatic transfer in cases of overvoltage, undervoltage, or phase loss, and features intelligent alarm functionality.

Functions of the Dual Power Supply System:

Power Continuity: Ensures critical equipment and systems continue operating during mains power interruptions, avoiding losses and inconveniences caused by power outages.

Power Reliability: Enhances power supply reliability by introducing a backup source, reducing the risk of outages.

High Automation: The dual power automatic transfer switch enables automated power switching without manual intervention, improving system response speed and reliability.

Specific Functions of Mains-to-Generator Dual Power Systems:

Power Continuity Assurance:
Ensures seamless transfer of loads to generator power during mains power interruptions, preventing losses caused by outages.

Automatic Switching:
The dual power automatic transfer switch (ATS) automatically monitors mains power status and, in the event of a fault (e.g., abnormal voltage, phase loss), starts the generator and transfers the load to generator power.

Flexible Power Source Selection:
Some dual power systems, such as ABB's AGC 150 ATS, support multiple power source modes, including dual mains power, mains power and generator, or mains power and energy storage systems, offering more flexible power supply solutions.

Outage Prevention:
Some dual power systems, such as ABB's AGC 150 ATS, feature self-inclusion and self-recovery functions, enabling brief parallel operation during power switching to prevent outages caused by the transfer process.

Customizable Control Logic:
Dual power systems can typically be configured via controllers, such as ABB's AGC 150 ATS, to adjust parameters like power source priority and transfer delays, adapting to various application scenarios.

Fault Diagnosis and Protection:
Dual power systems monitor power sources and implement protective measures, such as cutting off power or switching to backup sources, in the event of faults like overvoltage, undervoltage, or phase loss.

Advantages of Mains-to-Generator Dual Power Systems:

Improved Power Reliability and Continuity:
Ensures immediate takeover by the backup power source during primary source failures, preventing equipment damage, data loss, and production interruptions caused by outages.

Load Transfer Capability:
Enables power switching while loads are operational without requiring shutdowns, reducing maintenance time and downtime losses.

Multiple Fault Detection Functions:
Typically includes detection for phase loss, overvoltage, undervoltage, and loss of voltage, enabling timely fault identification and resolution to enhance power supply safety.

Automatic Switching:
Automatically detects primary source failures and switches to the backup source without manual intervention, improving system automation and reliability.

Application Scenarios:

High-rise buildings: Elevators, fire protection systems, lighting, etc.

Hospitals: Medical equipment, operating rooms, intensive care units, etc.

Data centers: Servers, network equipment, etc.

Other sites with high power continuity requirements: Banks, transportation hubs, industrial production lines, etc.

In summary, the mains power and generator dual power supply system is a critical power supply solution that enhances power reliability and continuity. It is widely used across various industries.