Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Project Title;
Design and Construction of an Automatic Power Conversion and Changeover
Switch

ISAAC NJUGUNA KIMARU

2021EE145726
Declaration
I declare that this report is my original work. Where collaboration with other people has taken place, or material
generated by other researchers is included, the parties and/or materials are indicated in the acknowledgements
or are explicitly stated with references as appropriate.

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Dedication
This work is dedicated to my son, Alvin, who has been a constant source of motivation and encouragement
during the challenges. I am truly thankful for having you in my life. This work is also dedicated to my parents,
who have always loved me unconditionally and whose good examples have taught me to work hard for the
things that I aspire to achieve.

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Acknowledgement
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all those who provided me the possibility to complete this
report. A special gratitude I give to our project supervisor, Mr. Ngacha, whose contribution in suggestions and
encouragement, helped me to coordinate my project especially in writing this report.

Furthermore I would also like to acknowledge with much appreciation the crucial role of the electronics
laboratory technician Mr. Mwangi, who gave the permission to use all required equipment and the necessary
materials during fabrication process. A special thanks goes to my classmate, Ms. Gathigi, who helped in
assembling the parts and gave suggestion about the fabrication.

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Table of Contents
Declaration............................................................................................................................................................................. i
Dedication............................................................................................................................................................................. ii
Acknowledgement................................................................................................................................................................iii
Table of Contents................................................................................................................................................................. iv
Acronyms and Abbreviations................................................................................................................................................vi
List of Figures....................................................................................................................................................................... vii
Abstract.............................................................................................................................................................................. viii
1.0 Chapter One - Introduction.............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Aims and Objectives..................................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Assumptions and Limitations......................................................................................................................................1
1.4 Problem Statement.....................................................................................................................................................1
1.5 Justification................................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.0 Chapter Two - Literature Review...................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Review of related studies............................................................................................................................................3
2.3 Summary..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.0 Chapter Three - Methodology.......................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Design 6
3.2.1 Block diagram.......................................................................................................................................................6

3.2.2 Materials and Specifications.................................................................................................................................7

3.3 Circuit Diagram and its operation..............................................................................................................................12

3.3.1 Construction of AC – DC Power Supply...............................................................................................................12

3.3.2 Construction of Bistable Multivibrator Circuit using 555 Timer..........................................................................12

3.3.3 Automatic Changeover Circuit Operation...........................................................................................................12

3.3.4 The Circuit Diagram............................................................................................................................................14

4.0 Chapter Four - Results and Analysis.............................................................................................................................15

4.1 Test Results............................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.1.1 Results from stimulation....................................................................................................................................15

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 4.1.2Experimental results............................................................................................................................................15

4.2 Analysis....................................................................................................................................................................16
5.0 Chapter Five – Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................17
5.1 Conclusions............................................................................................................................................................... 17
5.2 Recommendations....................................................................................................................................................17
5.3 Challenges Encountered and How They Were Overcomed.......................................................................................17
References.......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Appendices.......................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix A - Work plan...............................................................................................................................................19
Appendix B - Budget....................................................................................................................................................20
Appendix C – Datasheets.............................................................................................................................................21

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Acronyms and Abbreviations
DC Direct current

AC Alternating current

LED Light emitting diode

TANGEDCO Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited

AMF Automatic Mains Failure

DG Diesel Generator 

HT High Tension

PCB Printed Circuit Board

SPST Single pole single throw

IC Integrated circuit

PP Power pack

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List of Figures

Figure 3.1: Block Diagram...................................................................................................................................................7

Figure 3.2: Centre-tapped step down transformer diagram and symbol...............................................................................7

Figure 3.3 : Bridge rectifier..................................................................................................................................................7

Figure 3.4 Ceramic and electrolytic capacitor......................................................................................................................8

Figure 3.5 : LM7809 Voltage regulator................................................................................................................................8

Figure 3.6 : Schottky diode symbol.......................................................................................................................................9

Figure 3.7 : BC547 Transistor diagram and its symbol......................................................................................................10

Figure 3.8 : LED symbol.....................................................................................................................................................10

Figure 3.9: 555 Timer.........................................................................................................................................................11

Figure 3.10 : Resistors........................................................................................................................................................11

Figure 3.11 : Toggle switch................................................................................................................................................11

Figure 3.12 : 9V Battery....................................................................................................................................................12

Figure 3.13 : Circuit simulation..........................................................................................................................................13

Figure 3.14 Circuit simulation............................................................................................................................................13

Figure 3.15: Circuit Diagram.............................................................................................................................................14

Figure 3.16: Results from stimulation.................................................................................................................................15

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Abstract
Number electrical and electronic appliances require direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) power for
their operation. The AC power is made available mostly through AC supply mains, while DC power is made
available through batteries. However there are circumstances when there is a scarcity of AC power (through
power failure) or DC power (due to limited lifetime of batteries). To overcome this problem, an automatic
changeover switch can be used, where a given AC power is converted to DC and automatically utilized when
DC power is unavailable. The project is based on the principle of bi-stable mode operation of 555 Timer, in
which, the timer output is either high or low depending upon the status of trigger and reset pin. The timer output
is connected to a transistor which acts as a switch, being on or off depending upon the timer output. Two LEDs
in series are used as a load. In case of transistor being switched off, LEDs are driven by the AC-DC power
supply whereas in case of transistor being switched on, LEDs are driven by the battery. This ensures therefore,
the load will always have power either from the battery or the AC power source.

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1.0 Chapter One - Introduction
1.1 Introduction
There is a growing need for a constant and stable power supply in many establishments. In most developing
countries, including Kenya, the power supply is mostly unreliable and insecure, thus marring the effect of
productivity and development. This is as a result of increase in population, industrialization, urbanization [1]
and lack of proper planning by the government and utility providers. Most manufacturing industries, firms and
institutions such as hospitals and healthcare facilities, financial institutions, data centers and airports to mention,
but a few require constant power supply throughout the year. Volatility in power generally delays development
in public and private section of any economy [2]. For instance, power failure could lead to prohibitive
consequences ranging from loss of huge amounts of money to life casualties . This instability in power supply
led to the development of switching systems between national grid power system and standby generators used
as backup. In the past decade, various equipment and configurations have been put in place in order to manage
this problem. An automatic changeover switching and conversion system makes use of rectifiers, bi-stable
timers, active and passive components to realize conversion and changeover in a shorter time while excluding
human interference and its attendant . The research project is designed for D.C power supply applications. It
involves automatic conversion from the mains power supply and change over between the converted power and
the D.C source, in case of D.C source drain . The project implements an automatic conversion whenever the
D.C source fails. The design of the project takes into consideration practical or real life situations and a lot of
precautions were put in place to make its performance acceptable, even though it is a prototype design.
Switching is possible through the use of the bi-stable timer.

1.2 Aims and Objectives

The main aim of this project is to attain an automatic conversion and switching system capable of proving a
continuous D.C power. Furthermore, the main objective of this work is to provide a means of having
uninterruptible power supply in our home, office, workshops or industries.

1.3 Assumptions and Limitations

This work assumes the A.C power is always available. In addition the work covers only a one phase automatic
conversion and changeover which can only be used for providing D.C power after conversion in case of
inability of D.C power.

1.4 Problem Statement

In homes, offices and industries, the AC power is made available mostly through AC supply mains, while DC
power is made available through batteries. However, there are circumstances when there is a scarcity of AC
power through power failure, or DC power due to limited lifetime of batteries. To overcome the problem of
scarcity of DC power, an automatic changeover switch can be used, where a given AC power is converted to
DC and automatically utilized.

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1.5 Justification
Most manufacturing industries, firms and institutions such as hospitals and healthcare facilities, financial
institutions, data centers and airports and homes require a constant supply of DC power. The DC power is not
commonly available compared to AC power supplied by the utility providers. This project seeks therefore to
automatically provide continuous DC power from AC power in case of failure of DC source in the above
institutions.

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2.0 Chapter Two - Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
With the high dependence of home and industrial equipment on power, switching from one form of energy to
the other has become a necessity either for integration in the national grid or for use in the standby home or
industrial applications. Rocks and Mazur [12] describe a manual changeover in which the generator and load
switching is done with physical influence. Certain mission critical appliances and installations which include
hospitals, airports, high precision laboratory equipments which require a 100% up time cannot afford to depend
on a manual changeover switch or not running. The need for automatic conversion and control which does the
load switching in split seconds then cannot be overemphasized.

2.2 Review of related studies

According to Abiodun, Kayode, Nsukhoridem and Roseline [4] , the epileptic power supply in Nigeria and
other developing countries today, a high demand of an alternative service is required. They developed a single
phase automatic change over switch from the public mains supply to the auxiliary supplies (single phase ac
generator) and vice-versa. Their design was realized using major components like a step down transformer
(220V-12V ac), atmega8 microcontroller, rectifiers, voltage regulators, 555 timers, relays, circuit breaker and
others like resistors, diodes, and capacitors. The device automatically switches from public mains to an
auxiliary whenever there is an outage in the public mains. The device also detects the public main power supply
when available and switches from auxiliary power supply to the mains with a delay period of 4 seconds in
starting and switching off the generator. The device has been constructed successfully, and it demonstrated a
tendency to automatically switch from mains to the auxiliary source and vice-versa without human interception.

Their work though feasible fails on the aspect, that the delay time between switching from mains to auxiliary is
relatively very long and therefore may not be appropriate for critical installations such as those in hospitals.

Onipede, Joseph and Odiba [5], observed that continued development of automatic change over switch is a
necessary requirement for the principle of energy mix especially in developing countries characterised by
insufficient mains power supply. In their paper, they report how they were able to intuitively use basic
electronic components to implement an efficient automatic change over switch. In the event of a power failure
from the mains supply, the automatic changeover is designed and constructed to switch on a standby generator
and transfer the installation load to it (the generator) and vice versa when power is restored. The switching time
they calculated and tested to be about 0.88 ms that is sufficient to prevent any noticeable disruption in the power
supply to the installation load, whether home or industrial.

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Their work focuses mainly on automatic switching between a mains supply and a generator producing AC
power and therefore cannot be applicable in situations where DC power is necessary.

Kolo [1] in his paper, argues that power failure or outage in general does not promote development to public
and private sector. He further observed that investors do not feel secure to come into a country with constant or
frequent power failure. These limit the development of industries. In addition there are processes that cannot be
interrupted because of their importance, for instance surgery operation in hospitals, transfer of money between
banks and lots more. His paper presents the design and construction of an automatic power changeover switch
that switches power supply from public supply to generator once there is public power supply outage and it does
this automatically. This is achieved by the use of integrated circuits that have timing abilities and relays to
effect switching.
His proposal, though highly effective, proves to be quite costly and may not be implementable in the middle
income countries such as Kenya.

Singha , Aakasha , Akasha and Murugana [5] state that the process plants run 24/7 a year. Any disruption in the
power supply can cause the process to halt, resulting in significant productivity loss and financial consequences.
If the TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited) main supply fails, the
standby power should kick in without much delay. An Automatic Mains Failure (AMF) arrangement is
necessary to satisfy this requirement, which automatically switches from utility to diesel generator (DG) power
in the event of utility power failure. They fabricated an AMF arrangement, wired up, interfaced with a
laboratory three-phase alternator, and tested for various sequences as part of their project work. Interlocks and
multiple operation sequences were also investigated in a real-time AMF circuit. They gathered the load
information on the college campus, and examined the cable sizing from the standpoint of generator activity.
They appropriately sized generator based on the load data obtained, checked all the neutral arrangement, and
arrived at proper sizing to ensure stable operation of the DG in standby mode of operation. The current
continuous set mode of operation for DG sets with TANGEDCO supply was contrasted to the continuing high
tension (HT) conversion mode. Based on a comparative study, the economics of diesel
consumption/TANGEDCO tariff is calculated. The proposed DG set's positioning has also been optimized for
greater service stability to feed the campus loads without disruption and to ensure effective operation. The
proposed DG set's location has also been optimized for greater versatility in service, to feed the campus loads
without disruption and to ensure the DG set's efficient operation. The entire function of the DG set is examined,
taking into account all factors such as AMF, economics, operational stability, and so on.

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According to Onah, Kpochi, and Goodman [7] , the power supply in most developing countries like Nigeria is
highly characterized by frequent or constant failures/outages. This adversely affects industrial development and
productivity. Consequently, most households, offices, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and
multinationals depend on the electrical generator as alternative power supply, hence the need for an automatic
changeover switch to facilitate automatic changeover between the mains supply and a generator. Thus, their
project sets to present the design and implementation of an automatic changeover switch with a generator trip-
off mechanism. The system uses relays, integrated circuits, transistors and electromechanical devices. The
design was simulated with the aid of Multisim software and the prototype circuit was implemented. The
experimental results from the prototype corroborate with the stimulated results

Singh [8] , states that an automatic phase change over switch is designed primarily to disconnect load from its
power source and transfer it to a standby source say generator, in case there is a power outage. The switching
process is done in a controlled manner so as to prevent the false starting of generator at very short power
outages. Once the supply is restored, the load is transferred back to mains supply The entire process is
controlled by a control unit that keeps sensing to detect that whether the main supply is available or not.

2.3 Summary
After reading many papers thoroughly I understood that the main parts of an automated switching system are a
control unit, gen-set, relay, and 555 timer and a voltage controller. Indeed, these systems help in getting
automatically switching between the mains supply and auxiliary supply as soon as there is an outage detected
but most of them will clearly take time for switching over. Also, I think that the proposed systems by some
authors can be more beneficial if the system contains a rectifying circuit for situations where DC power is
necessary.

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3.0 Chapter Three - Methodology
3.1 Introduction
In this section, all the focus is on the methods employed to achieve the stated objectives and demystifying the
procedure of designing the model of the system. Programming and simulation was used to analyze the model to
foretell the effectiveness of the design under study. Computer Software (Proteus) and the website (circuit
diagram web editor) were used in the circuit design and the simulation of the model of the design and
construction of an automatic power conversion and changeover switch system. The simulated model was
implemented and tested on a breadboard after which the final model was fabricated on a printed circuit board
(PCB)

3.2 Design
This circuit is based on the principle of bistable mode operation of 555 Timer. In this mode, the Timer output is
either high or low depending upon the status of trigger and reset pin. The Timer output is connected to a
transistor which acts as a switch, being on or off depending upon the Timer output. Two LEDs in series are used
as a load. In case of transistor being switched off, LEDs are driven by the AC-DC power supply whereas in case
of transistor being switched on, LEDs are driven by the battery.

3.2.1 Block diagram

The AC power is fed into a step down transformer where its stepped from 240v to 12v. This voltage is fed into a
bridge rectifier to produce a DC voltage, that is filtered by capacitors and regulated by the voltage regulator.
The output is fed through a schottky diode into the transistor as shown in the figure below. The second part of
the circuit involves a DC power source, which feeds the transistor and the 555 timer through a toggle switch.
The output from the transistor supplies the load

AC Power Step down Bridge Filter

Voltage
Supply Transformer Rectifier Capacitors
Regulator

Schottky
Diode

BC 547 LED
Transistor

555
DC Power Switch
Supply Timer

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Figure 3.1: Block Diagram

3.2.2 Materials and Specifications

Step Down Transformer

A Transformer is a device which transfers electric current from one circuit to another, usually by the principal
of mutual induction. During this process, the frequency remains constant whereas the voltage can be increased
or decreased according to the need.

This transfer of electricity occurs with the help of two coils. One of which is known as the Primary Coil, which
is connected to a source of alternating current. The other is known as the Secondary Coil, and it is connected to
an external circuit.

Figure 3.2: Centre-tapped step down transformer diagram and symbol

If the number of turns in the primary coil is more than the number of turns in the secondary coil, the voltage
induced will be lesser than the original voltage. The transformer used is a centre tapped (240V-12V) due to
unavailability of the untapped one.

Bridge Rectifier
The construction of a bridge rectifier is shown in the figure below. The bridge rectifier circuit is made of four
diodes which are connected in a closed-loop configuration to efficiently convert the AC into DC.

Figure 3.3 : Bridge rectifier

Since peak voltage across the transformer secondary is around 20V, the total PIV of the bridge would be around
80V. Hence the need diodes having PIV rating more than 60V. Here 1n4007 was selected with a PIV of about
1000V.

The working of the rectifier can be explained as follows;

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During positive half cycle of the source, diodes D1 and D2 conduct while D3 and D4 are reverse biased. This
produces a positive load voltage across the load resistor. During the next half-cycle, the source voltage polarity
reverses. Now, D3 and D4 are forward biased while D1 and D2 are reverse biased. This also produces a positive
load voltage across the load resistor as before.

Capacitors
For the capacitor, peak voltage of 20V and minimum regulator input voltage of 12V, the allowable ripple is
about 8V. The capacitance value is then calculated by the formula, C = I (Δt/ΔV), where I is sum of quiescent
current of voltage regulator and required load current. Substituting the values, we get a value of about 17µF.
Hence a 20µF electrolyte capacitor was selected. This is the main filtering capacitor. Further smoothing to
smooth-out signals so that they approach direct currents is achieved by use of ceramic capacitor. This
smoothing capacitor stores the excess voltage during high-voltage periods and releases it during low-voltage
periods, thereby eliminating fluctuations in voltage. The diagram for the two types of capacitors used is shown
below.

Figure 3.4 Ceramic and electrolytic capacitor

LM 7809 Voltage Regulator

Since here, the requirement is to drive two LEDs in series along with a Schottky diode, a LM7809 voltage
regulator producing a voltage of 9V is suitable. This voltage regulator is a type of self-contained fixed linear
voltage regulator integrated circuit. The IC belongs to 78xx voltage regulator family which is commonly used
as the regulated power supply in electronic circuits . The 7809 voltage regulator IC is ease-of-use and available
in very low cost.

Figure 3.5 : LM7809 Voltage regulator

1N 5819 Schottky Diode

The Schottky diode is designed with metal to the silicon-based junction to provide special characteristics. The
1N5819 Schottky diode is a polarized electronic component including a band that denotes the cathode terminal
of the diode. It provides less forward voltage drop and maximum switching speed, so it is applicable where the
high frequency is required. So this diode is used in protecting the circuit from reverse polarity. Its symbol is
shown below.

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 Figure 3.6 : Schottky diode symbol

The diode has the following specifications;

 Forward surge current is 25A

 Forward voltage drop at 1A is 600mV
 Peak reverse voltage is 40V
 RMS reverse voltage is 28V
 The typical forward current is 1A

BC547 Transistor
The BC547 transistor is an NPN transistor. Here it is connected to the timer output and acts as a switch, being
on or off depending upon the timer output.

If the transistor is operated in the saturation region then it acts as closed switch and when it is operated in the
cut off region then it behaves as an open switch. The transistor operates as a single pole single throw (SPST)
solid state switch. When a zero input signal is applied to the base of the transistor, it acts as an open switch. If a
positive signal is applied at the input terminal then it acts like a closed switch.

When the transistor operating as switch, in the cut off region the current through the transistor is zero and
voltage across it is maximum, and in the saturation region the transistor current is maximum and voltage across
is zero. Therefore, both the on – state and off – state power loss is zero in the transistor switch. The transistor
diagram and symbol are shown in the figure below respectively.

Figure 3.7 : BC547 Transistor diagram and its symbol

Light Emitting Diode

A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. When
current passes through an LED, the electrons recombine with holes emitting light in the process. LEDs allow
the current to flow in the forward direction and blocks the current in the reverse direction. The figure below
shows the LED symbol.

Figure 3.8 : LED symbol

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555 Timer
The integrated circuit (IC) 555 timer is a one type of chip used in different applications like an oscillator, pulse
generation, timer. The designing of IC 555 timers can be done by using various electrical and electronic
components like transistors, resistors, diodes and a flip flop. The operating range of this IC ranges from 4.5V -
15V DC supply. The functional parts of the 555 timer IC include flip-flop, voltage divider and a comparator.
The main function of this IC is to generate an accurate timing pulse.

Figure 3.9: 555 Timer

Resistors
A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit
element. In electronic circuits, resistors are used to reduce current flow, adjust signal levels, to divide voltages,
bias active elements, and terminate transmission lines, among other uses.

Figure 3.10 : Resistors

Toggle Switch
A toggle switch is a type of electrical switch that is actuated by moving a lever back and forth to open or close
an electrical circuit. There are two basic types: maintained contact and momentary toggle switches. A
maintained switch changes its position when actuated and will remain in that position until actuated again, such
as an ON/OFF function as shown in the figure below.

Figure 3.11 : Toggle switch

9V Battery
The nine-volt battery, or 9-volt battery, is an electric battery that supplies a nominal voltage of 9 volts. Actual
voltage measures 7.2 to 9.6 volts, depending on battery chemistry. Batteries of various sizes and capacities are
manufactured; a very common size is known as power pack 3 (PP3), introduced for early transistor radios. The
PP3 has a rectangular prism shape with rounded edges and two polarized snap connectors on the top. This type

10
is commonly used for many applications including household uses such as smoke and gas detectors, clocks, and
toys.

The diagram below shows the battery used.

Figure 3.12 : 9V Battery

3.3 Circuit Diagram and its operation

The designing this circuit involves two basic parts ;
 Design of AC – DC power supply
 Design of bistable multivibrator circuit using 555 timer
3.3.1 Construction of AC – DC Power Supply
It is the design of a basic AC to DC power supply system using transformer and bridge rectifier. The first step
involves selection of the voltage regulator. Since here, our requirement is to drive two LEDs in series along
with a Schottky diode, we settle down with LM7809 voltage regulator producing a voltage of 9V. Since input
voltage to the regulator must be at least 12V, therefore, a 230/12V basic transformer was used.

The other step is the selection of diodes for bridge rectifier. Since peak voltage across the transformer secondary
is around 20V, the total PIV of the bridge would be around 80V. Hence the need diodes having PIV rating more
than 60V. Here 1n4007 was selected with a PIV of about 1000V.

The final step involves selection of filter capacitor.  For the capacitor, peak voltage of 20V and minimum
regulator input voltage of 12V, the allowable ripple is about 8V. The capacitance value is then calculated by the
formula, C = I (Δt/ΔV), where I is sum of quiescent current of voltage regulator and required load current.
Substituting the values, we get a value of about 17µF. Hence a 20µF electrolyte capacitor was selected.

3.3.2 Construction of Bistable Multivibrator Circuit using 555 Timer

When a 555 Timer is configured in bistable multivibrator, its output is either high or low logic signal. Here we
use the simple logic that when trigger pin is grounded, output is a high logic signal and when reset pin is
grounded, output is low logic signal. Here the output of 555 Timer is connected to the base of transistor BC547.

3.3.3 Automatic Changeover Circuit Operation

The circuit operation commences once the switch SW1 is at any of its position. When the switch SW 1 is at
position 1, reset pin of the 555 Timer is grounded. Internally this reset pin is the reset pin of the SR Flip flop

11
and hence the output of 555 Timer is a low logic signal. Now since base emitter junction of Q1 is reverse biased,
it is in cut off position. The load LEDs are connected directly to the output of the voltage regulator through the
Schottky diode as shown in the simulation diagram below.

Here is where the operation of AC to DC power supply circuit comes to play. AC power is first stepped down
by the transformer and then converted to unregulated and fluctuating DC voltage by the bridge rectifier.

The AC ripples from the fluctuating DC voltage is removed by the filter capacitor. This unregulated DC voltage
is then converted into a regulated DC voltage by the voltage regulator.

Figure 3.13 : Circuit simulation

When switch SW1 is at position 2, trigger pin of 555 Timer is grounded. This causes the output of the 555 Timer
to be a logic high signal. The base emitter junction of Q 1 is thus forward biased and the transistor is driven to
saturation, thus being in on position as shown in the figure below. Here we should note two things – First, the
Schottky diode now does not conducts as the voltage difference between both cathode and anode of the diode is
zero, i.e. there is no potential difference at the junction. Secondly, the LEDs are now biased through the resistor
and the transistor and driven by the battery voltage.

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Figure 3.14 Circuit simulation

3.3.4 The Circuit Diagram

The figure below shows the circuit diagram that was obtained by the use the website (circuit diagram web
editor).

Figure 3.15: Circuit Diagram

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4.0 Chapter Four - Results and Analysis
4.1 Test Results
4.1.1 Results from stimulation
This section displays the results of the simulation carried out the system using Proteus software to view the
various responses of the signal flow on the circuit and are shown in the figure below. The results of the project
indicate that power is always present to the load regardless of if the supply is the battery or the mains.

Figure 3.16: Results from stimulation

4.1.2Experimental results
The experimental exercise set up and fabricated according to the hardware design and specifications, the
required components were selected and the component values were checked using the Multimeter. During the
cause of testing of this project work, it was observed that the switching between the mains and the battery was
instantaneous. Table 1 below presents the summary of the operational evaluation of the circuit.

Table 1:Operational Evaluation of the Circuit

Case Timer Timer LED(Load Timer output Remark

trigger pin reset pin indicator)

1. Open Grounded ON Low Since the output of 555 Timer is a low logic
signal the base emitter junction of Q1 is reverse
biased, the load LEDs are connected directly to
the output of the voltage regulator through the
Schottky diode

2. Grounded Open ON High Since the output of the 555 Timer is a high logic

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 signal, the base emitter junction of Q1 is thus
forward biased and the transistor is driven to
saturation, thus the Schottky diode does not
conducts as the voltage difference between both
cathode and anode of the diode is zero, the LEDs
are now biased through the resistor and the
transistor and driven by the battery voltage.

4.2 Analysis
The constructed circuit and the simulated system have similar outcome that there is always power available to
the DC load when any of the sources is available. The switching time between the mains and the battery was
instantaneous hence avoiding the delays and wastages associated with delayed switching.

15
5.0 Chapter Five – Conclusion
5.1 Conclusions
The automatic conversion and change over switch has been designed to help reduce the stress and loss of time
associated with the inadequate supply of dc power from dc sources. The project can be of great use to the
industries that us synchronous machines. This is due to the fact that to operate the synchronous motors one
needs to give the main ac supply to the static armature winding and an auxiliary DC supply to the rotating field
winding.

The constructed device comes with the advantage of increased protection for the power systems. In situations
where both the DC source and mains supply are present in the circuit, the security measure adopted by the use
of schottky diode prevents any reverse flow of current therefore preventing any hazard that would be witnessed
in other systems. This makes it safe for use in homes where both DC and AC power maybe be required by
different appliances.

5.2 Recommendations
This project is recommend the for use in homes that require both AC and DC supplies, industries that used
synchronous motors that require both AC and DC supplies for operation.

Further recommendation is made to researches to automate the process of sensing the availability of either the
DC or AC supply and make the switch without human intervention.

5.3 Challenges Encountered and How They Were Overcame

The time that was available for the research was not sufficiently enough. This challenge was mitigated by ensuring that
there is proper utilization of the available time. Furthermore, the design of the project required a normal transformer but
the one available in the market is the centre tapped transformer. There was therefore, an extra transformer terminal that
was not necessary which had to be insulated using the insulation tape.

16
References
x

[1] B.L. Theraja and A.K. THERAJA, A Textbook of Electrical Technology - Volume I (Basic Electrical
Engineering), Twenty-Third ed. New Delhi, India: S Chand and Company Limted, 2005.

[2] Harsh Deep Singha, A Aakash, S Akasha, and R Murugan, "Automatic Changeover With Three-Phase
Supply in Educational Institution," Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education, vol. 12, no.
13, pp. 7119-7134, 2021.

[3] Uneet Kumar Singh, "Automatic Phase Changeover Switch," International Journal of Engineering Trends
and Technology (IJETT), vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 76-80, April 2016.

[4] Ayinder Sabu Abiodun, Olawale Olaniran Kayode, Bassey Etido Nsukhoridem, and Amodu Funke
Roseline, "Design and Construction of a Single Phase Automatic ChangeOver Switch," IOSR Journal of
Engineering (IOSRJEN), vol. 08, no. 01, pp. 01-05, January 2018.

[5] Jonathan Gana Kolo, "Design and Construction of an Automatic Power Changeover Switch," AU J.T., vol.
2, no. 11, pp. 1-6, October 2007.

[6] C.O. Onah, P.K. Kpochi, and A.O. Goodman, "Design and Implementation of an Automatic Changeover
Switch with Generator Trip-off Mechanism," International Journal of Engineering Science Invention
(IJESI), vol. 9, no. 7, pp. 41-48, July 2020.

[7] O.O. Harris, B.U. Pete, and L.S. Ezema, "Design of Automatic Change Over Switch with Generator
Control Mechanism," SAVAP International, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 125-130, November 2012.

[8] Omakoji Odiba, Samuel Joseph, and Bamidele Onipede, "Developing an Automatic Switch for Home or
Industrial Power Supply Changeover," British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, pp. 1-7, June
2017.

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Newnes, 2007.

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"https://hyclassproject.com/design-and-construction-of-an-automatic-changeover-switch-with-phase-
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17
Appendices
Appendix A - Work plan

Activities May 2022 June 2022 July 2022

Abstract

Proposal

Fabrication

Report writing

Submission

18
Appendix B - Budget

S/No. Description of item Specification Qnty Unit Total

price cost

1 230/12V Transformer 1 450 450

2 Rectifying diode 1N4007 4 20 80

3 Electrolytic Capacitor 20µF 1 20 20

4 Ceramic Capacitors 0.01µF 2 20 40

5 9V Battery PP3 1 180 180

6 Resistor 100 Ω 1 10 10

7 Resistors 10 kΩ 2 10 20

8 BC 547 Transistor NPN 1 20 20

9 LM 7809 1 100 100

10 LED Red 2 5 10

11 Schottky Diode 1N5819 1 50 50

12 Toggle switch 1 50 50

13 555 Timer 1 100 100

14 Solder 1m 1 45 45

15 Soldering gun 30W 1 350 350

16 Zero PCB board 1 140 140

17 Connecting wires 2m 1 40 80

18 Printing and Binding 1 300 300

Total 2045

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Appendix C – Datasheets
Schottky Diode 1N5819
Primary Characteristics
IF(AV) 1.0 A
VRRM 40 V
IFSM 25 A
VF 0.60 V
TJ max. 125 °C

Maximum Ratings (Ta = 25 °C Unless Otherwise Noted)

Parameter Symbol
Maximum repetitive peak reverse voltage VRRM 40 V
Maximum RMS voltage VRMS 28 V
Maximum DC blocking voltage VDC 40 V
Maximum non-repetitive peak reverse voltage VRSM 48 V
Maximum average forward rectified current IF(AV) 1.0 A
Peak forward surge current, 8.3 ms single half
sine-wave superimposed on rated load IFSM 25 A
Voltage rate of change (rated VR) dV/dt 10 000 V/μs
Operating junction and storage temperature range TJ, TSTG -65 to +125 °C

Electrical Characteristics (TA = 25 °C unless otherwise noted)

Parameter Test Conditions Symbol
Maximum instantaneous forward voltage 1.0 VF 0.600 V
Maximum instantaneous forward voltage 3.1 VF 0.900 V
Maximum average reverse current TA = 25 °C
at rated DC blocking voltage TA = 100 °C IR 1.0 mA

Typical junction capacitance 4.0 V, 1.0 MHz CJ 110 pF

Diode 1N1407
Diode Type RECTIFIER DIODE
Case Connection ISOLATED
Configuration SINGLE
Diode Element Material SILICON
Forward Voltage-Max (VF) 5.0 V
Forward Current-Max 6.0 A
Number of Elements 1.0
Number of Phases 1.0
Number of Terminals 2
20
Operating Temperature-Max 150.0 °C
Output Current-Max 0.125 A
Reverse Voltage-Max 800.0 V
Surface Mount NO
Terminal Form WIRE
Terminal Position AXIAL

BC547 Transistor
Type Bi-Polar NPN Transistor
DC Current Gain (hFE) Max. 800
Continuous Collector current (IC) 100mA
Emitter Base Voltage (VBE) 6V
Base Current(IB) Max. 5mA

555 Timer
Timing microseconds through hours
Operation mode astable and monostable
Duty cycle Adjustable
Output can source or sink 200 mA
Output and supply TTL compatible
Temperature stability 0.005% per °C
Available in 8-pin MSOP package

21