Automatic Changeover

1. This is for switching AC grid mains to generator mains, during power failures or outages.

The explained circuit will effectively switch the connected appliances to the generator mains
during power failure however it won't be able to switch start the generator automatically, this
will need to be done manually, because most generators involve a difficult mechanical
actuation procedure.

Referring to the relay arrangement diagram we can see a simple circuit comprising of a relay
arrangement configured as TP relay (triple pole relay) and an transformerless power supply
circuit.

The input of the second transformer T2, power supply circuit is connected to the mains 220V or
120V input.

When mains power is present, the connected relay activates with this power and switches ON
the load or the appliances via its N/O contacts.

Conversely when mains power fails, the relay deactivates and connects with the N/C contacts
which may be wired up with the generator mains.

Now as soon as the generator is pulled started, the mains finds its way through the connected
N/O contacts of the relay to the appliances.

The third set of contacts is used for enabling and disabling of the CDI unit of the generator so
that when mains is restored, the generator is automatically halted.

2. From the over voltage/under voltage protection stage we can see a very simple arrangement
where T1 and T2 are fixed as an inverter configuration, meaning T2 responds oppositely to T1.
Please refer the circuit diagram.

In simple words when T1 conducts, T2 switches OFF and vice versa. The sensing voltage which is
derived from the DC supply voltage itself is fed to the base of T1 via preset P1.

The preset is used so that the tripping thresholds can be determined precisely and the circuit
understands when to execute the control actions.

How to Set the Preset for Automatic Cut off

P1 is set for detecting high voltage limits. Initially when the voltage is within the safe window,
T1 remains switched OFF and this allows the required biasing voltage to pass through P2 and
reach T2, keeping it switched ON.
Therefore the relay is also kept activated and the connected load receives the required AC
voltage.

However in case suppose, the mains voltage exceeds the safe limit, the sensing sample voltage
at the base of T1 also rises above the set threshold, T1 immediately conducts and grounds the
base of T2. This results in switching OFF of T2 and also the relay and the corresponding load.

The system thus restricts the dangerous voltage from reaching the load and safeguards it as
expected from it.

Now suppose the mains voltage goes too low, T1 is already switched OFF and at this situation
T2 also stops conducting due to the settings of P2, which is set so that T2 stops conducting
when the Mains input goes below a certain unsafe level.

Thus the relay is once again tripped OFF, cutting of power to the load and prompting the
required safety measures.

Though the circuit is reasonably accurate, the window threshold is too wide, meaning the
circuit triggers only for voltage levels above 260V and below 200V, or above 130V and below
100 V for 120 V normal supply inputs.