Method for reducing time of backup power supply in power supply systems with motor load

Nowadays fast-acting automatic transfer equipment is commonly applied in power supply systems with a motor load since it ensures uninterrupted power supply of critical consumers. However, their application requires the use of high-speed breakers. The implementation of a “high-speed” transfer to a backup power source when using vacuum switches may not be possible due to the long turn-on and turn-off times. Therefore, the purpose of the paper is relevant. The aim of the paper is to study the possibility to reduce the backup power supply time by improving the algorithm to control the vacuum switches of the main and backup power sources in the modes “high-speed” switching by the fast-acting automatic device in case of short circuits in the external power supply network. To achieve this purpose, computer modeling methods are used. They are based on mathematical models of electrical network elements written using systems of differential equations. The authors have defined the regularities of the transient processes in synchronous and induction motors when switching to a backup power source by the fast-acting automatic device in case of short circuits in the external power supply network. It makes possible to set the limit value of the mismatch angle between the residual voltage vectors on the section of the main power source and the voltage of the backup power source, at which the level of the self-starting current does not exceed the values of the starting currents. Also, it makes possible to develop an algorithm to control breakers. The proposed algorithm is based on changing the operation order of the switches of the main and backup power sources. The obtained results show that implementation of the proposed algorithm to control breakers of the main and backup power sources in fast-acting automatic devices in case of short circuits in the external power supply network of the main power source makes it possible to reduce the backup power supply time and decrease the level of self-starting currents that do not exceed the level of starting currents of electric motors without use of high-speed switches.