Automatic Source Changeover Schemes (ACO)

Posted by Hameedullah Ekhlas 11 hours ago - 74 views - Filed in Power Systems

An Automatic-Changeover (ACO) scheme enables supply from either of two sources in support
of a single load. These types of schemes are normally used in support of a critical load such as a
hospital to ensure that alternate supply is always available in the event of power failure. Such a
scheme requires switches with proven reliability and a degree of automation which removes any
necessity for the customer to become involved in the switching process. The bushing-mounted
voltage sensors of the RL-Series switch mean that a costeffective source-changeover scheme can
be implemented for loads where security of supply is vital.
A recloser is used in the feeder connecting the preferred supply to the load. This recloser is
configured as the Master Device. and is Normally Closed. The alternate supply is connected to
the load via a Normally Open Load Break Switch which is the slave device. The master and
slave devices communicate via an ACO communications link. This allows the master to monitor
the supply availability and to send commands to the slave device. Status information can be
transmitted via DNP3 communications to the control centre if required. When the preferred
supply is lost due to an upstream fault condition, the controller at the closed Master Device
automatically trips the recloser and then instructs the Slave Device to close. This sequence
automatically connects the load to the alternative supply. When the Master Device controller
detects that the fault condition has been cleared and the preferred supply source has been
restored, it automatically restores supply back to the normal configuration. The changeover of
supply will not commence if supply has been lost downstream of the recloser due to a fault
condition resulting in it tripping to lockout. In this situation the Slave Device would remain
open.

Loop Automation

Loop Automation automatically reconfigures a feeder network affected by an outage when an

alternative source of supply is available. The alternative source is typically a second feeder
connected via a normally open point. The normally open point can be a sectionaliser that ties the
feeders together, known as the Tie sectionaliser. A Feeder Recloser is located between the
substation breaker and the Tie sectionaliser. Each of the switches in a loop automation scheme is
programmed to behave in accordance with a set of logic rules specific to its location on the
network. Communication is not required for a loop automation network. Power is restored to the
healthy parts of the network by using:
1- Voltage sensing at each bushing (to determine the loss of supply);

2- Logical rules (specific to each switchgear position) to determine the switches’ action; and

3- User configurable timer (a delay to systematically reconfigure each switch when required).

Figure : Basic Configuration of a Standard Loop Automation Network

Loop Automation with a sectionaliser as Tie uses a trigger based on the Dead Times of the
upstream reclosers to determine the fault location. The Tie will only close for faults upstream of
the Feeder Recloser. This restores power to the network up to the Feeder Recloser.

Reference:

1. Schneider Electricl Company

2. NU LEC Industries

Article Tags: #Recloser #Automatic Source Changeover Schemes #Loop Automation

#Schneider Electricl Company #NU LEC Industries #Logical rules #ACO #changeover
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