DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF SMART RF BASED POWER

DISRIBUTION BOARD

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the study

Distribution board (also known as panel board, breaker panel, or electric

panel) is a component of an electricity supply system that divides an

electrical power feed into subsidiary circuits, while providing a

protective fuse or circuit breaker for each circuit in a common enclosure.

Normally, a main switch, and in recent boards, one or more residual-

current devices (RCD) or residual current breakers with overcurrent

protection (RCBO), are also incorporated. The conventional distribution

board that is commonly found everywhere is manually operated and the

user has to come in contact with the board before he or she could on or

off the circuit breaker. With smart RF based power distribution board

you don’t need to get to where the board is before you can power it,

you can power it from a distance using a radio frequency (RF) remote,

because it has a transmitter and a receiver module.

1.2. Statement of the problem

Nobody likes problems, especially electrical problems. They are both

dreadful and aggravating. Electrical problems can happen anywhere

where electricity is. However, electricity is hazardous and should

not be meddled with if you have no experience or knowledge of

it. They are electrical fault that are common and occurs

frequently, like short circuit fault, neutral failure, over current,

over load and earth leakage. This faults when it occurs can

cause damages to electrical or electronic appliances. In other to

solve the above problem or to protect your appliances from the

faults or problems stated above a smart RF based power

distribution board is highly required.

1.3. Aim and Objectives of the study

The aim and objective of the study is to design and construct a smart RF

based power distribution board. The objectives of the study are:

1. To design a radio frequency transmitter and receiver.

2. To design an automatic power switching module using power

contactor or relays.
 3. To interlock the circuit breaker in such a way it will have one input

and multiple outputs.

4. To fabricate a metal casing that will contain all the components

required for construction of the project work.

1.4. Significance of the study

Smart RF based power distribution board is important and significant

because is much safer and easy to control. it will also give you

advantage of the following:

 Reduced line loss. The distribution substation is the electrical hub

for the distribution network.

 Power quality. Mitigation equipment is essential to maintain power

quality over distribution feeders.

 Deferred capital expenses.

 Energy cost reduction.

 Optimal energy use.

 Economic benefits.

 Improved reliability.

 Compatibility.

1.5. Scope and limitation

The scope of this project work are as follows:

1. M.C.B’s is quick work against short circuit.

2. M.C.B’s is work quickly on overloading and under voltage.

3. The performance of M.C.B’s is good in case of earth leakage.

4. M.C.B’s is reliable.

5. In case of surge current, the M.C.B has a time-delay characteristic,

therefore it works properly.

The limitation of this project are as follows:

1. The cost of M.C.B is greater than fuse.

2. The cost of on M.C.B distribution board is greater than rewire able

fuse board.

3. The risk of overloading of circuits due to unqualified persons

operating than is completely removed.

 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. REVIEW ON OTHER RELATED WORK

There are basically three types of changeover switches based on

the design and mode of operation namely: manual changeover,

electrical changeover and electronic changeover. Manual changeover is

the most popular changeover switch in use. Manual change-over switch

consists of a manual change over switch box, switch gear box and

cutout fuse or the connector fuse (Rockis & Mazur, 2001). This change-

over switch box separates the source between the generator and public

supply (Ahmed, et al., 2006). The contact is manually switched from

mains terminal to the generator terminal and vice-versa.

The major drawbacks are that firstly, it requires a lot of human

action to operate and also the ceramic insulator can crack during

switching and lead to electric shock if the contact wire touches the metal

casing. Secondly, it has led to several deaths and damage to electrical

appliances (Emerole, et al., 2015). Rapid wear and tear of the

mechanical parts also occurs due to continuous up and down movement

which will lead to increased frequent maintenance (Nwafor, et al., 2012)

Electrical change overuses A.C. relay for its operation. It is also referred

to as an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) or “Generator Transfer Switch”

and is designed to enable the automatic operation and transfer of power

supply between a public utility supply and a power generator. The ATS,

which is a switchgear control system, provides a functional system that

provides an automatic switching of power supply between a primary

source (public utility) and a secondary power source (generator).

The methods employed in designing the ATS involve the use of

electromechanical type relays, contactors, voltage monitoring relays and

delay timer relays as main components of the system (Agbetuyi, et al.,

2010). The circuit does not require a DC power pack or controlling

board. The advantage of this circuit is that it is cheap and easily

constructed.

The drawbacks include noise associated with switching of relays,

wear and tear, arching which can cause fire outbreak, high component

count making the system more prone to failures (Nwafor, et al., 2012).

Also, at low mains voltage, the AC. relay and some contactors start

chattering causing the output to be oscillating and this is dangerous to

equipment connected to the output. Electronic changeover comes the

shortcoming of the AC. relay/contactor based changeovers. Two

common approaches can be used. Solid state thyristors and opto-triac

can be used for the switching or DC relay (powered from a transformer

power pack, who’s stabilized voltage work to the desired value

recommended) could be used. The chattering associated with relay and

contactors is eliminated because the control circuit shuts down and

starts the generator to supply power to the load. The relays are

switched on and off by a transistor biased as a switch.

The electronic changeovers are of two types. The first type does

not have a time delay, which means it changes over immediately when

the mains voltage is gone. But the generator starter has a periodic delay

to start the generator. After starting, the feedback circuit from the

generator helps deactivate the control circuit. The second method has a

delay before it changes over. The delay keeps the generator running,

until the mains voltage is present for say 1 to 5 minutes before

switching off the generator. This method is still very good, but the only

drawback is the fuel consumed during the delay time, hence it is hardly

used in design because it is not cost effective (Kolo, 2007).

2.2. OVERVIEW ON COMPONENTS USED IN THE PROJECT

WORK

1. CONTACTOR:

FIG. 2.1. ELECTROMAGNETIC CONTACTOR

A contactor is an electrically controlled switch which is used for

switching an electrical power to the load.it is controlled by an electric

coil which ratings are very low. When the power supply is passing

through the coil at that time the contactor is operate.

2. RELAY

FIG.2.2 RELAY

Relays are switches that open and close circuits

electromechanically or electronically. Relays control one electrical circuit

by opening and closing contacts in another circuit. As relay diagrams

show, when a relay contact is normally open (NO), there is an open

contact when the relay is not energized.

3. CAPACITOR

Fig.2.3 CAPACITOR

Capacitor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that

stores potential energy in an electric field. The effect of a capacitor is

known as capacitance. Most capacitors contain at least two electrical

conductors often in the form of metallic plates or surfaces separated by

a dielectric medium.

4. DIODE

Diode Function Diodes allow electricity to flow in only one

direction. The arrow of the circuit symbol shows the direction in which

the current can flow. Diodes are the electrical version of a valve and

early diodes were actually called valves.

Forward Voltage Drop: Electricity uses up a little energy pushing its

way through the diode, rather like a person pushing through a door with
a spring. This means that there is a small voltage across a conducting

diode, it is called the forward voltage drop and is about 0.7V for all

normal diodes which are made from silicon. The forward voltage drop of

a diode is almost constant whatever the current passing through the

diode so they have a very steep characteristic (current- voltage graph).

Reverse Voltage: When a reverse voltage is applied a perfect diode

does not conduct, but all real diodes leak a very tiny current of a few µA

or less. This can be ignored in most circuits because it will be very much

smaller than the current flowing in the forward direction. However, all

diodes have a maximum reverse voltage (usually 50V or more) and if

this is exceeded the diode will fail and pass a large current in the

reverse direction, this is called breakdown.

5. ZENER DIODE

A Zener diode is a type of diode that permits current not only in

the forward direction like a normal diode, but also in the reverse

direction if the voltage is larger than the breakdown voltage Breakdown

voltage The breakdown voltage of an Insulator is the minimum voltage

that causes a portion of an insulator to become electrically conductive.

The breakdown voltage of a diode is the minimum reverse voltages to

make the diode conduct in reverse.

6. FIX RESISTOR

FIG. 2.4 FIX RESISTOR

Fixed resistor cannot be changed as it is set at a specific value,

whereas a variable resistor can manage flows at and below a specific

level. Resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that

implements electrical resistance as a circuit element. In this project

work resistors is used to reduce current flow, adjust signal levels, to

divide voltages, bias active elements, and terminate transmission lines,

among other uses.

7. VARIABLE RESISTOR
 FIG.2.5 VARIABLE RESISTOR

A variable resistor allows you to build a circuit with some degree of

control. For example, a volume knob can be a variable resistor. It can

act as a control on the amount of current flowing. A variable resistor

works by adjusting the path that current has to flow.

8. TRANSISTOR

FIG.2.6 TRANSISTOR

Transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch

electronic signals and electrical power. It is composed of semiconductor

material usually with at least three terminals for connection to an

external circuit. But in this project work transistor is used as a switch.

9. CIRCUIT BREAKER 

FIG. 2.7 CIRCUIT BREAKER

Circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch

designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess

current from an overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt

current flow after a fault is detected.in this project work it is used as a

protective device.

10. TRANSFORMER

A transformer consists of two coils (often called 'windings') linked

by an iron core, as shown in figure 1. There is no electrical connection

between the coils; instead they are linked by a magnetic field created in

the core. Transformers are used to convert electricity from one voltage

to another with minimal loss of power. They only work with AC

(alternating current) because they require a changing magnetic field to

be created in their core. Transformers can increase voltage (step-up) as

well as reduce voltage (step-down). Alternating current flowing in the

primary (input) coil creates a continually changing magnetic field in the

iron core. This field also passes through the secondary (output) coil and

the changing strength of the magnetic field induces an alternating

voltage in the secondary coil. If the secondary coil is connected to a load

the induced voltage will make an induced current flow. The correct term

for the induced voltage is 'induced electromotive force' which is usually

abbreviated to induced e.m.f.

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY, DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

3.1 METHODOLOGY

When there is no supply from the mains, the contactor is

disengaged (lines from utility are open) and the voltage relay closes the

contact to the timer (few minutes to warm) and to the starter circuit of
the engine for the starting of the generator after few minutes. The timer

contact will close, thus energizing the main magnetic coil of the

generator contactor to the load. Upon sensing supply again from mains,

the normally open contact (which closes when there is voltage) de-

energizes the generator contactor and time in the timer (few minutes);

normally open contact latches and energizes the mains contactor coil for

the closure. The neutral and life wire of the main supply is connected to

the normally open of the contactor, the neutral and life wire of the

generator is connected to the normally close of the contacted while the

load is connected to the common of both.

3.2 THE SYSTEM BLOCK & CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

GEN GEN
STOPPER SHUTDOWN
RELAY COIL

12V FROM CONTROL

GEN CIRCUIT
BATTERY
 STARTER SOLENOID
RELAY STARTER
MOTOR

FIG. 3.2.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE STARTER & STOPPER

SYSTEM

MAINS POWER GEN POWER

MAINS GEN
INTERLOCK
CONTACTOR CONTACTOR

LOAD
FIG.3.2.2 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE CONTACTOR SWITCHING
FIG.3.2.3 THE SYSTEM COMPLETE CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

The approach used in this work is the modular approach where

the overall design is first broken into functional blocks as shown in the

above block diagram.

3.3 CALCULATION OF POWER FOR THE CHANGE OVER SWITCH

If the changeover which is to be applied on a 220V/415V, 12KVA

generator operating at 50Hz and a power factor of about 0.8. To

determine rating of contactor to be used as well as cable size Recall

Apparent powers = 12 x 103 VA (12KVA)

Line voltage = VL = 415V

Phase voltage = VsP = 240V

Active power “P” = Apparent power x power factor

= 12 x 103 x 0.8

= 9.6KW

Assuming a balanced load is being used,

P = 3 IP VP cos Æ

9600 = 3 x IP x 240 x 0.8

IP = 9600 = 18.19A

3 x 220 x 0.8

IP ≈ 18.3A

The contactor required will have a minimum current rating of 18.3A

For increased efficiency a tolerance of about +25% will be given

Thus contactor rating will be

18.3A + (25 x 18.3)

100

= 18.3 + 4.6

= 22.9Amps or nearest allowable.

Ip = 18.3 deduced is current per phase. Thus any cable used should be

capable of carrying about 1½ times the current. The operating

environment will also play a role.

:. Required cable should carry a current of at least

18.3 + (50% x 18.3)

= 18.3 + 9.15

= 37.45Amps

However, if the operating environment is very hot, a larger cable size

will be required.

3.4 THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT

In power supply sections, 240V/12V transformers and 1A fuses

rating were chosen because it’s met the requirement of the circuit .

a. Current Limiting Resistors (R1, R2, and R3)

VS = 12V (supply voltage), VLED = 2.2V, ILED = 35mA (Maximum allowable

current across the LED)

R1 =
 ( 12−2.2 ) V 9.8
R1 = 35 mA
=
0.035

R1 = 280Ω

Therefore, current drawn by Red LED;

VS
ILED = R
1

12
ILED = 280 =0.043 A

VS
ILED = R = 43mA
1

To determining R2, VLED =3.2, Vs 1 (supply voltage) and ILED = 35mA

(maximum allowable current across the LED)

V S −V LED
R2 = I LED

( 12−3 ; 2 ) A 8.8
R2 = 32mA
=
0.035

R2 = 251Ω

Therefore, current drawn by Yellow LED;

VS
ILED = R
1

12
ILED = 250 =0.048 A
ILED = 48mA

To determining R3, VLED = 3.8, Vs = 12V (supply voltage) and ILED =35mA

(maximum allowable current across the LED)

V s−V LED
R3 = I LED

( 12−3.8 ) A 8.2
R3 = 35 mA
=
0.035

R3 = 234Ω

Since 234Ω resistor is not standard, 250Ω resistor was used as the

closest value in the design.

Therefore, current drawn by Blue LED;

Vm
ILED = R
s

12
ILED = 250 =0.048 A

ILED =48 mA

b. Peak Inverse Voltage

Peak Inverse voltage is twice the maximum voltage across the half wave

That is P1V = 2Vm =2VS

Therefore, PIV = 2 X 12 = 24V

The value of diode used in full wave bridge rectifier circuit was 1N4001

because it has voltage rating of 50V as required by the circuit. The

rating is also chosen to avoid any damage to the diode in case of

reverse operation occurs.

c. Average DC Current ( 1c)

The average DC current was calculated using the expression

2Vm
Idc = π R
L

A 200Ω load resistance was considered across the outputs.

Root mean square (R.m.s) of the secondary = 12V

Maximum voltage across the secondary (Vm) =12 x √ 2=17 V

2×17 34
Dc current flowing through the load (Idc) = 3.142× 200 = 628.4 =0.054 A

Average dc voltage across the load (Vdc) = Idc x RL = 0.054 x 200 =

10.8V

However, the values of dc voltages (Vdc1, Vdc2, Vdc3) and currents (Idc1,

Idc2, Idc3) across the three phases were equally 10.8Volts and 54mA

respectively.

d. Filter capacitors (C1, C2 and C3)

The filter capacitors were calculated using the expression

1
C = 4 3 fyR
√

But for full wave rectifier circuit [8];

f = frequency of ripple voltage = 50Hz

y = Ripple factor = 5% = 0.05

R = Diode resistance =?

V dc
R = I 200 Ω
dc

1
C = 4 3 ×50 ×0.05 × 200 =0.000288 F
√

C = 288 μF

R5 V 1
V = R +R
4 5

Since 288μF capacitor is not standard, 330μF capacitors were used as

(C1, C2 and C3) in the standard value in the design.

3.5 VOLTAGE SENSING UNIT

The values of R4, V_ and Vcc (V1) were taken to be 2.5KΩ, 6V and

12V respectively. Thus the value of was R5 calculated using the

expression;
 R5 V 1
V_ = R + R
4 5

V_ = (R4 + R5) = R5V1

V_R4 + V_R5 = R5V1

V_R4 = R5 (V1 + R5V_

V_R4 = R5 (V1-V_)

V¿
R5 = V 1−V 2

6 ×2500 15000
R5 = 12−6
=
6

R5 = 2500Ω

R5R5 = 2.5KΩ

The value of R5 with respect to R6 is also calculated using the

expression

V¿
R5 = V −V ¿
1 ¿

6 ×2500 1500
R5 = 12−6 = 6

R5 = 2500Ω
R5R5 = 2.5KΩ since resistor R5 is (RR4 and RR6) and each having 2.5KΩ

resistances, 5KΩ variable resistor was adopted in the design so as to

produce 2.5KΩ resistance to resistors (RR4 and RR6) when tuned to it

midpoint.

However, the same calculation is also done in second voltage divider

stage and the value of RR8 = RR5 = 5KΩ

3.6 SWITCHING UNIT

a. Collector Current (1c)

From the expression;

Ic
Ic = β

Where supply voltage (Vcc) = 12V

Base emitter voltage (VBE) = 0.6;

Gain (HFE) = 25

Recall coil resistance RL = 400Ω

V cc 12
IC = R = 400 =0.03 A
L

IC = 30mA

Base Current (IB)

0.03
IB = 25

IB = 0.0012A
But to ensure sufficient base current to drive the transistor into

saturation, the quantity of the base current is doubled.

i.e IB = 2 x 0.0012

IB = 0.0024

IB = 0.0024

b. Base Resistance (R10, R11)

V CC−V BE
R10 IB

12−0.2 11.3
R10 = 0.002 = 0.002

R10 = 4708Ω

R10 = 4.7KΩ

In this case, since the resistor R 11 is also for the same purpose, the

value of R10 used in the design was 4.7KΩ.

This design is intended to power a load of 3.5kVA

Using the formula P = √ 2V 1 cosθ

Where:

V is line voltage = 415V

I is Full load current

cosߠ is power factor = 0.8

P is induction motor rating = 3.5 KVA

1
I = 3 V 1 cos θ
√

Calculating current using a power factor of 0.8,

25000
I = 3 × 415 ×0.8 =43.48 A
√

3.7 CIRCUIT BREAKER DESIGN

Two circuit breakers of different ratings are used here. The first

will be for the power (Generator) circuit and the second for the control

circuit. The breaker to be used for the power circuit must have a rating

of more than 15A. For this design, a 30 Amps 4 pole (3-phase) circuit

breaker will be used. For the control circuit, the breaker to be used will

be a 6Amps single pole breaker. This is because the current in the

control circuit is measured in mA

3.8 CONTACTOR DESIGN

In choosing the contactors to be used, the running currents would

be considered. The full load current is 43.48A. At starting, current is

passed through the Mains or Generator contactor to the load. The

contactor to be used has a rating higher than 44Amps.Acontactor of

50Amps is to be selected for the Mains and Generator contactors.

3.9 RELAY DESIGN

Relays with the following parameters were used for the design:

D.C rating 10A/12V

A.C rating 5A/220V

3.10 ELECTRONIC TIMER AND INDICATION LAMP

These components work with single phase voltages. Their operating

voltage should be:

415 V
≈ 240 V
√3
3.11 CONDUCTOR DESIGN

An approximation sometimes used for design of copper conductor

is:25mm × 25mm of the conductor will carry 1000A of current.

Since Full Load Current is approximately 43.48A,Conductor dimension is

625 mm 2 × 43.48 A 2
=27.175 mm
1000 A

r= (√ Aπ )
r= (√ 27.175
π )
=8.65 mm (4.3)

Cable diameter is; d = 8.65 × 2 = 17.3mm

3.12 OBSERVATION

The control circuit of the automatic change-over switch was tested

on a three-phase supply by connecting wires from the mains to both the

mains and generator contactors. It was observed that with the selector

Switch on the mains side in the ON position, the mains contactor was

energized immediately. When the selector switch was turned to the OFF

position representing mains failure, the Generator contactor was

energized with the selector switch on the generator side in the auto

position. When Mains was restored by switching, the mains selector

switch back ON, and the mains contactor was immediately energized

again. During normal operation, automatic change-over switch supplies

load from Mains. The generator fuel solenoid relay is energized. A

generator start signal is given (automatically or manually). If after five

seconds no indication is received that the generator has started, the

cranking signal is terminated and a fail to start indication is given. Under

these conditions, the fuel solenoid signal is maintained to permit

subsequent manual starting. Should the generator fail during operation,

this indicator provides a warning.

 CHAPTER FOUR

CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING ANALYSIS

4.1. CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE

The tools used to carry out the construction are: veroboard,

soldering iron, lead sucker, long noise pliers, cutting pliers, screw driver,

drilling machine, digital multi meter, frequency meter, spanner

tweezers. The appropriate tools were used to carry out the construction

differently in order to avoid the damage of the tools or any materials

used in the construction process.

The construction of the circuit was carried out taking into consid

eration all components that are very sensitive to heat or that can be

damaged when they are over-heated. Also, those components that

consume very low current, in order of milli-ampere were mounted on

the veroboard. Casing 

The casing is made of metal sheets of about 2mm in thickness.

It consists of different parts which were fitted into each other to form an
enclosure for the regulating circuit board and the supporting

components. The casing has three dimensions: the length (1ft), the

breadth (1ft) and the height (5inch). The casing is ventilated because

the power drawing in the circuit is high. A stand of about 4cm is

mounted on the edge of the casing where the heater (coil) is mounted.

4.2 ASSEMBLING OF CONSTRUCTED WORK

Having constructed the circuit board and the casing

satisfactorily, the project was assembled. Assembling was done by fixing

the circuit board into the casing and screwing properly to prevent

vibration. It was ensured that the enclosure was not too small for the

board so as to prevent compression or breakage of the veroboard or any

other components. The two transformers were properly tithing to avoid

shaking. Finally, proper and tight connections were made between

components.

4.3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

You must have a standby fire extinguisher in case of fire outbreak.

Protective gadgets like goggle should be worn while performing these

tests, more especially on power test. Any wrong connection made on

circuit might cause an explosion. Work on ventilated environment and

do not conduct any form of play while working. Apply the necessary

rules, to abstain endangering your life and others as well.

The following safety precautions were adhered to in the course of 

the implementation of the project during soldering.

1. Excessive heat was avoided on the components to prevent them from

getting damaged.

2. The indicator light was powered through a resistor to avoid damage.

3. The entire system was properly grounded

4. The correct polarities of the components were properly connected.

4.4 TESTING:

In every engineering outfit the projected work must undergo

series of test before the project will be satisfied functional. In production

chain it will be tagged with a label, quality certified passed.

In small system designs, testing process is also applicable. There

are sequences of test needed to be carried out for any successful

project.

1. Testing of the individual components.

2. Unit by unit testing.

3. System testing.

4.4.5 Testing of the individual components

Components should be tested individually before fiddling with it,

so as to remove the bad ones. This test will be satisfied test measures

for individual components which are basically used of the multimeter.

Testing of transformer, transistor, diodes, LED, MOSFFET and every

other component that will be used in the project.

4.4.6 unit by unit testing

These involve wiring up circuitry and testing to confirm its functions

before soldering. Examples are bread boarding of power supply stage of

the project, testing it and confirming that is functional before soldering.

4.4. 7 system testing

This involves the testing of the entire circuitry and cross examines

it for errors like short circuits, lead flux, joining unwanted links. Proper

insertion of IC pin layout and also checking if ICs of these pin number

are slotted in their proper base. After the first check you should cross

check again before powering the system.

4.5 RESULT

All tests were carried out at a voltage of 230/415Va.c and 225/400Va.c

on generator.

Table 4.1input reading

SOURCE DETAIL OF OUTPUT (V)

SOURCES
EEDC 22OV
GENERATOR 230V

4.6 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS OBTAINED

The testing and result obtained above show that; output voltage

from the generator is greater than the output voltage from the mains.

The above observation shows that there is always a drop in voltage from

the nominal value. This voltage drop is as a result of the number of

relays that comes into operation during this mode when the unit is

powered.

4.7 THE OPERATION OF THREE PHASE TRANSFER SWITCH

The transfer switch comprised of two different sections; the

control circuit and power circuit. The power circuit has two main

contactors controlling both the Mains and the generator power. The

control section of the transfer switch is the main brain of the whole
circuit. When there is no supply from the Mains, the main contractor is

disengaged (lines from utility are open) and the voltage relay closes the

auxiliary contact to the timer (few minutes to warm) and to the

switching circuit of the engine for the starting of the generator after few

minutes. The timer auxiliary contact closes, thus energizing the main

magnetic coil of the generator contactor to the load. Upon sensing

supply again from Mains, the auxiliary normally open contact (which

closes when there is voltage) de-energizes the generator contactor and

time in the timer (few minutes). The normally open contact latches and

energizes the Mains contactor coil for the closure. Interlock is provided

to ensure that the Mains contactor and the generator contactor under no

condition will the two come on at the same time. The generator

contactor only comes on when the Mains fails, but with the selector or

rotary switch one can select any power source.

The project was constructed successfully taking into consideration the

entire safety requirement for its safe operation. After the construction of

the control system the following important test was carried out:

4.7.1 Testing

1. Continuity of conductors: this test was conducted to ensure that

the control conductors used for the wiring has no break in it.
2. Continuity of normally closed contacts: the normally closed

contacts gave continuous reading when tested to indicate a closed

contact. When manually operated a discontinuous reading was attained

to indicate opened contact.

3. Continuity of protective devices: all the protective devices where

tested by closing the contacts and using continuity tester to test for

continuity. When the protective devices such as the three phase line

controller were closed, the instrument gave a continuous signal

indicating closed contacts, meaning the electrical device is in good

working condition.

4. Operation of contactors, relays, timers, protective devices

and interlocks: the contactors, relays and the timers were energized

to observe their opening and breaking operation. They were found to be

in good working condition.

5. Polarity checks: this was done to ensure that live and neutral

polarity was connected to the respective terminal block to prevent

electrical hazards.

6. Protection by electrical separation: this test was carried out by

isolating the breakers/switches and then tested to observe if there were

leakages. All the components were found to be in good working

condition and the control system performed satisfactorily.

4.8 INTEGRATION

The integration of the units that made up the circuit and testing

them now as unified system. Here if the project is not working as

assumed, necessary changes can now be made until a desirable

outcome is attained.

4.9. PACKAGING

Every quality and good product is often determined by packaging.

Credit is awarded to properly packaged project. After the integrating and

final testing of the project, we now made choice of package considering

cost as well as durability elegance. I then choose to embark on metallic

casing where the said project was housed.

Before construction of this package I considered the size of the

project and maintenance factor which need may arise.

4.9.1 Output readings

All tests were carried out at a voltage of 240V AC

Table 4.2 Output readings.

SOURCE(S) DETAILS 0F SOURCES OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

EEDC 230,240,250/415
Generator 225/380
 CHAPTER FIVE

BILL OF ENGINEERING MEASUREMENT & EVALUATION (BEME)

S/N MATERIALS DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT TOTAL

PRICE PRICE
1 RF MODULE TRANSMITTER 1 10,000 10,000
2 RF MODULE RECEIVER 1 3,000 3,000
3 CONTACTOR 45 AMP/220V 2 6,000 6,000
4 CIRCUIT BREAKER 15 AMP 8 1,500 12,000
5 CONTACTOR RAIL HALF LENT 1 2,000 2,000
6 CONNECTOR 60 AMP 2 1,800 3.600
7 INDICATOR AC 220V 9 350 3,150
8 RELAY 30 AMP 2 500 1,000
9 VEROBOARD DOT BIG 1 300 300
10 DIODE IN 4007 6 50 300
11 TRANSISTOR BC 547 4 50 200
12 CAPACITOR 1000UF/50V 3 250 750
13 RESISTOR 1K 10 30 300
14 TRANSFORMER 15V/22OV 1 2,500 2,500
15 CABLE WIRE 4MM 10YRDS 350 3,500
16 BOLT & NUT 6MM 20P 50 1,000
17 CASING 20 BY 20 1 5,000 5,000
18 PLUG 15 AMP 1 500 500
19 MISCELLANEOUS 5,000
20 TOTAL AMOUNT 60,100
 CHAPTER SIX

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 CONCLUSION

In other to eliminate this human intervention as well as introduce

some speed and precision in the operation, there is the need for an

automatic changeover switch. This is typically a switching system whose

function is based on the predetermined configuration of the unit. It

selects the available power source without the intervention of the user,

to ensure the availability of supply at all times provided that at least one

power source is available. The change from one source to another can

only be achieved by device or a system that determines when the

change should actually take place and which source to be given

preference to supply the load. This brings about the need for unique

control system. The basic problem to be addressed is how to connect

two different sources of electrical power simultaneously to a single unit

(the automatic changeover switch) that can serve as a link between

these power sources and the load or network. Moreover, preference is

given to the power sources such that only one source supplies the load

at a time and when the first (mains) source fails, the link immediately

connects the second (generator) source to the load. The three phase
automatic transfer switch is needed in every home because of the

following advantages:

1. Its reliability

2. Its durability

3. It is affordable

4. Its ability to provide immediate automatic switching from the public

power source to other sources. It is recommended that further work be

done on this transfer switch on a larger scale, for instance an automatic

change-over switch that can cater for an estate.

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

The automatic three phase 40 amps transfer switch has immense

advantage in every area where power is required. It is a fact that there

is hardly any aspect of human life where electrical power is not required,

at homes, offices, hospitals, etc. It finds a wide application scope

wherever the reliability of electrical supply from the utilities is low and is

used wherever continuity of supply is necessary, for switching to an

alternative source from main supply and vice versa.

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