A backup power generator at home is an extremely necessary thing, which is explained by the frequent failures in the power supply of residential buildings. But even its presence does not guarantee a positive result if the device does not provide for automatic activation. That is why it is so important that the owner of the apartment has a generator with an automatic start in the event of a power outage. After purchasing it, any user will get rid of the problems associated with a leaking refrigerator and the need to do for some time without light, TV, PC and other amenities of civilization. This issue is of particular importance for people living in rural areas, where power outages are a regular occurrence.
Types of generators, their advantages and disadvantages
The design features of the backup generator make it possible to organize its connection to the supply line in the event of a power outage in the following two ways:
- Manual mode, when the user has to go to the device and start it on his own.
- Automatic start, in the presence of which the unit will turn on without human intervention.
The main condition for the automatic operation of the backup system is the presence of an electric starter in the purchased device, which is an indispensable element of such a scheme.
Before going to the store and purchasing an automatic transfer switch ATS (in foreign models it is called ATS), be sure to make sure that the starter is included in the kit.
Automatic generators can operate on various types of fuel, according to which they are divided into the following classes:
- gasoline;
- gas;
- working on two types of fuel at once.
The choice of a specific fuel for the backup system depends on the preferences and capabilities of each user.
The indisputable advantages of using electric generators include the provision of 220 Volt power in the event of a centralized power supply failure. But this opportunity has to pay with a number of inconveniences, which are as follows:
- noise during work, which interferes with all people living in the apartment;
- high cost and the need for maintenance (repair);
- significant dimensions.
In addition, when operating in private buildings and in the country in the winter, they need additional heating.
Generator capabilities and characteristics
The generator with autostart in the event of a power outage normally turns on only if there is an ATS unit, which does not require human intervention during its operation. These products are presented on the market in various models, differing in their characteristics, among which stand out:
- the ability to automatically turn on when the quality of the power supply deteriorates;
- high speed of switching to ATS;
- automatic return to trouble-free operation (shutdown when the network is restored).
When choosing a specific model of a device with the declared parameters, proceed from the needs of an individual user. In everyday life, the absence of these opportunities usually does not entail serious consequences.But in industries with a continuous cycle and in a number of cases associated with danger to human life (in operating rooms of medical institutions, for example), these factors are of decisive importance.
The difficulty of using these devices at home is also due to their high cost.
ATS or generator with additional function
Automatic start of the generator in case of power outages is implemented in one of the following ways:
- By purchasing a separate ATS unit and coordinating its operation with an existing generator in the house, which is devoid of this option.
- Using a generator set model with ATS function.
Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages. In the first case, you will have to come to terms with additional costs with a minimum of benefits. The second approach looks more preferable, since it can significantly save money without losing the quality of the device.
If the generator you bought has an electric starter, you can do without the ATS. To turn it into a generator with ATS, a design revision will be required.
Self-production and connection
You can make a device with an ATS with your own hands if you use the components available in standard factory models. The main and most expensive part of a home-made machine is a universal controller, and typical contactor devices are used to switch operating modes. An appropriately sized enclosure is required to accommodate the complete set of parts and assemblies. It is recommended to use a suitable 1-3 Ampere power supply as a power module for the ATS circuit. Based on the specified parameter, its power consumed for its own needs is not less than 2.5 kW.
A self-made device must have:
- mode switch;
- backup power supply (battery) connected at the time of switching from one mode to another;
- electromechanical protection device (power machine for the corresponding current cutoff).
When sizing a controller for a generator, attention is drawn to the option to control an inverse air damper instead of the traditional mechanical system.
When choosing the type of contactors, they proceed from the permissible current load falling on their working elements - power contacts that are tripped. All parts are taken only from the factory. You can buy them in specialized trade centers.
The direct assembly of the generator with ATS is carried out in the following order:
- An electrical cabinet is mounted in a pre-designated place, all selected units and parts are placed in its internal space.
- Using copper conductors of a suitable cross-section, the equipment is installed according to a pre-drawn diagram.
- At the final stage, the bare parts of the wires are connected to the corresponding terminals of the equipment.
When assembling the circuit, it is important to ensure that the conductors do not intersect with each other, and the contacts and terminals remain in the public domain.
The finished device is included in the control system according to the classical scheme.
