Holaztec designs and manufactures transfer switches used to integrate an energy backup system into the existing electrical network of a house or office. What an ATS is, and why it is needed, is explained in the following text.
What Does an ATS Do?
The ATS performs two essential, non-negotiable functions:
- Automatic Switchover: It swiftly and safely switches the power source from the utility grid to the alternative backup source when a utility power failure (blackout) occurs.
- Grid Isolation (Anti-Islanding): It ensures the house is completely disconnected and isolated from the utility grid under all conditions when the backup Energy Storage System (ESS) is active. This is critical for preventing power from flowing back onto the grid, which protects utility workers.
What Is a Backup Source?
A backup system is an alternative power source that takes over when there is a problem with the main electrical distribution network. In a blackout, the ATS is responsible for this critical transition: it disconnects the house from the dead utility lines and connects it to the live backup source.
Available Backup Options
You can choose from two primary alternative backup sources, each with distinct benefits and disadvantages:
- The Gas/Propane Generator.
- The battery-based Energy Storage System (ESS).
Why Use an ATS?
Holaztec strongly recommends, and often requires, the use of an ATS for several critical reasons:
- Manual Override: It provides a manual mode, giving the user direct control over which power source (Utility or Backup) is currently being used.
- Phase Adaptability: It automatically adapts the phase configuration between the house’s electrical system and the inverter’s output.
- Simplified Maintenance: It enables the ESS to be safely disconnected from the house grid for repair without requiring any rewiring.
- Power Management: It matches the output capabilities of a smaller ESS to the demands of the main grid connection.
- Relay Protection: It handles the switching load, significantly reducing stress and wear on the internal bypass relays within the ESS or inverter during grid-connected operation.
- Flexible Protection: Depending on the ATS model, you can choose to protect your entire house/office or only a select number of essential circuits.
- Clean Interface: It offers a standardized, straightforward wiring interface between your house’s electrical network and the backup power solution.