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Automatic Transfer Switches

When a generator set is installed to automatically provide standby power in the event of
mains failure, a load transfer panel or automatic transfer switch is required. The transfer panel
is designed to sense when the mains has failed, signal the generator set to start, switch the
load from the failed mains to the generator set and then switch it back after the mains is re-
established. See below.

Function of a Load Transfer Panel

MTi Load Transfer Panel

The MTi Load Transfer Panel is a microprocessor based control system that is designed to
work with Autostart Control Systems (2001, 4001, 4001E, 6101, 6201 and Access 4000
Series) to form an automatic mains failure system. Only a two wire interconnection is
necessary between the generator set control panel and the MTi panel making the installation
very simple. The two wires are identified for all FG WilsonOlympian Autostart Control Systems
as:-

MTi C/O System 2001 series panel 4001 Series panel 4001E series panel
Panel
7 & 24 8 & 24 7 & 24 7 & 24

MTi C/O System Access 4000 series 6101 Series panel 6201 series panel
Panel panel
7 & 24 5 & 24 13 & 93 7M & 90

General Operation

When the micro controller is operating correctly the green heartbeat LED will flash. The MTi
changeover system monitors the mains voltage, if the control system detects that the mains
supply voltage has fallen below a predetermined setpoint a timer is enabled, 2MT (mains fail
timer). Also the corresponding red LED will illuminate to indicate the phase on which the
undervoltage was sensed. If the mains is still below the setpoint when 2MT has timed out
then the MTi will open the mains contactor to disconnect the mains from load. Then the N/O
contact will close to link the two wires of the generator control system autostart (as shown
above). The generator will start and once up to rated speed and voltage a timer will be
enabled, AT. AT is the alternator timer which will time out and then allow the generator
contactor to close, the load will now be supplied by the genset.

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The MTi will still monitor the mains for when it returns. As soon as the mains returns and is
above a healthy level setpoint, 1MT (mains return timer) will be enabled. If the mains is still

present and within limits after 1MT times out the generator contactor will open to disconnect
the genset from mains. DBT (Deadband Timer) will now start to time and once complete the
mains contactor will close reconnecting the load to the mains again. The genset will continue
to run, due to ROT (run on timer), this is enabled as soon as the generator is taken off load
and the purpose of this is so that the genset is allowed some time to run with no load for
cooling purposes. Once ROT has timed out then the N/O contact connecting the two autostart
wires will open and the generator will shut down awaiting the next mains fail.

Timer Settings

There are 5 main timers used on the MTi PCB. These are:

Timer Timer Timer details Timer Default


name function range Settings
2MT Mains fail Time from mains failure to the issue of generator start 1s 60s 6s
timer signal
AT Alternator Time from generator available to generator contactor 0s 60s 6s
timer close signal
1MT Mains return Time from mains available to generator contactor 2m40s 2m40s
timer open signal 28m
DBT Dead band Time between generator contactor open signal and 0s 15s 7s
timer mains contactor close signal and vice versa
ROT Run On Time from generator contactor open signal to gen 3s 8m 45s
Timer stop signal

The timers are changed using on board DIP switches SW1 and SW2 and are defined
according to the diagram below.

Procedure for changing the timer settings

1. Remove all power from the board.


2. Insert LINK 4 for 10 seconds to reset system.
3. Set timer DIP switches as required.
4. Remove LINK 4 and reconnect power to board.

Optional Remote Status Indication LEDs:

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If fitted, this option allows a remote indication of the status LEDs that are mounted on the MTi
panel. A 10 way ribbon cable connected to connector EC11 on the MTi PCB sends the
appropriate signals to a matching status display PCB

Mains/Generator voltage level threshold

The MTi allows the mains and generator fail/return points to be set on site without the use of
variable AC supplies. This is done with use of a calibrated multimeter and applying the
measured DC values to an equation to calculate the exact AC setpoint.

There are six potentiometers on the PCB called MA, MB, MC, GA, GB and GC. These pots
are for adjusting the setpoint for each phase sensed from the mains and generator. The fail
setpoint is set typically 10% lower than the rated line to neutral voltage. The return setpoint is
then automatically set for 4.5% above the fail point. To give an example:

If the voltage system was 415/240v the fail point would be 240 x 0.9 = 216v. The healthy
return point would then be 216 x 1.045 = 226v.

Procedure for setting mains/gen threshold


Mains

1. Connect a calibrated DC meter test points PHA and GND. (see diagram over)

2. Adjust pot MA to bias measured DC voltage to desired level based on the formula

VDC = (Vac x 0.028) 0.361

To carry on the example we were required to set the fail point for 216v, this would equate to a
dc voltage of 5.687v.

3. Repeat for phase B & C using test point PHB and pot MB for phase B, use PHC and MC
for phase C.

Generator

1. Connect a calibrated DC meter test points GENA and GND.

2. Adjust pot GA to bias measured DC voltage to desired level based on the formula

VDC = (Vac x 0.028) 0.361

3. Repeat for phase B & C using test point GENB and pot GB for phase B, use GENC and
GC for phase C.

Control Switches
The main control switch on the front of the panel has three positions:-

AUTO The normal position for automatic operation.

TEST WITHOUT TRANSFER For testing the generator set without connecting the load.
This switch will start the generator immediately.

TEST WITH TRANSFER For testing the generator set with the load connected. This switch
simulates a mains failure by disconnecting a phase from the PCB and the MTi will operate as
for a mains failure.

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In addition to the main control switch there is a Control Bypass key switch for use by service
personnel only. In the normal position the MTi operates normally. The other two positions
allow for the service personnel to manually connect the load to the operating generator set or

to the mains supply. This switch would be used if the MTi PCB has been damaged or the
timer settings are to be changed.

Status LEDs
The front of the door has the status LEDs, maintenance switch and main control switch.
There are four status LEDs as shown.
Pressing the Lamp Test Button, located on the front of the door, will illuminate them for
testing.

MTi Series Load Transfer Panel Status Display

Item Description

1. Mains Available Status LED


2. Mains on Load Status LED
3. Generator on Load Status LED
4. Generator Available Status LED

1
6 2 3

5
4

7
8

Item Description Item Description

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1 Link 4 Timer reprogramming 5 Gen test points GENA, GENB & GENC
2 MA, MB & MC 6 GND Test Point
3 GA, GB & GC 7 Voltage selector link 2
4 Mains test points PHA, PHB &PHC 8 Voltage selector link 3

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