What is an AMF panel?
An AMF panel is a kind of module used in a generator control panel when you have to control a generator that is connected in a standby configuration. It is about a system that is waiting for a failure of the utility power. Want to know more?
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMF AND ATS
AMF stands for Automatic Mains Failure while ATS stands for Automatic Transfer Switch. They have nothing in common except the fact that both can be used in controlling a source of energy in case of power outages. A good AMF controller has a sophisticated set of parameters that allow a complete monitoring and supervision system of the utility power (so-called in British related countries as 'MAINS'). The main task of the AMF controller is to start the generator and provide a safe transfer usually via contactors with interlock. The ATS controller, in its basic form, on the other hand, is a simple two-channel comparator. It drives the changeover according to the presence of one of the two sources. The electrician will associate a priority to one source, normally the UTILITY POWER.
THE BE242 COMBINED AMF ATS CONTROLLER
The Bernini Design company, since 1984, is always ahead of the common way of thinking. We are creative. We drive the future. We designed the BE242 as a COMBINED AMF / ATS controller. Forget all about AMF and ATS terms. Concentrate on providing an excellent generator control panel. It is the time to think out of the box.
AMF CONTROLLER PRICE
199€
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AMF CONTROLLER INSTALLATION MANUAL
HOW TO USE AN AMF CONTROLLER
When you apply the DC supply, the display indicates for a second, the version of the software and the date of production.
A mode of operation is selected by pushbuttons and indicated by means of a yellow LED (indicators). Every time you activate a mode of operation, the display indicates a descriptive message (example [auto]).
Every time the power supply is switched on, if the AMF controller was in TEST or AUTO prior to power down, the AMF controller returns to the “AUTO” mode. In the other cases, the AMF controller will enter the OFF mode.
HOW TO SHUT DOWN THE AMF CONTROLLER
To shut down the AMF controller and inhibit all functions you are required to push and hold the button [OFF] to enter the OFF mode.
The OFF mode of operation clears the fault alarms and allows you to read or program parameters or simply disable the AMF controller.
The load is always connected to the power utility. The Display and LEDs are turned off to reduce power consumption. Push one of the pushbuttons on the front panel to turn on the display.
Push the [MAN] button to enter the manual mode of operation or push the [AUTO] button to enter the auto
MANUAL MODE
Push the [MAN] push button to select the MANUAL mode. Push the START push button until the engine starts; the display indicates the message [STARTING] during the starting attempts and information about pre-glow.
When the engine is running, the green LED indicator turns on. Push the [ I ] (KG) push button to close the contactor of the Generator.
To transfer the Load to Mains, push the [I] (KM) push button (the [KG] will open). To open a circuit breaker, push the [O] pushbutton.
In manual mode, the CHANGEOVER timer lasts one second. To stop the engine, push the [0] STOP push button until the [StOP] message appears on the display. If the engine has already stopped, it is possible to reset the STOP sequence by pressing the [STOP] pushbutton.
AUTO MODE OF OPERATION
Push the [AUTO] push button until the green LED illuminates. The engine starts when the AMF controller detects a Mains failure.
The circuit breaker of the MAINS (KM) opens after the BREAKER timing. After the warm-up time, if the Voltage and Frequency are within the settings, the circuit breaker of the Generator (KG) will close. If the Mains restores, the KG will open.
The KM will close following a programmed changeover timing. The Engine will stop after a cooling downtime. If the engine shuts down, the KM closes independently of the Mains status if NFPA-110 mode is selected, otherwise, the KM will close only if the Mains is within programmed settings.
In AUTO mode, the AMF controller will periodically test the engine if the scheduler has been programmed. During this test, the green LED of the AUTO mode will continue to blink. In AUTO mode, the AMF controller can start and stop the engine according to programmed inputs (see the programming manual).
AMF PANEL TEST MODE
Push the [TEST] push button until the green LED illuminates. The AMF controller starts the engine and transfers the load to the Generator if allowed by your settings.
To stop the engine, select the AUTO mode (if Mains is present) or select the OFF mode. If the mains fails during the TEST, the AMF controller will transfer the load to the generator (supposing the generator parameters are within programmed limits).
If you push the [0] push button when the AMF controller is in AUTO or TEST mode, the local emergency alarm will energize. To clear the alarm, you are required to enter the OFF mode of operation.
WHAT IS AN AMF PANEL AND WHY WE SHOULD USE IT
An AMF controller (Automatic Mains Failure Controller) is mandatory in cases where you have to control a generator that is connected to the power utility in a standby configuration.
In this case, will call the power generator with the term Standby Generator. The AMF controller manages, in a fully automatic way, the connection assignment of the LOAD to MAINS or STANDBY GENERATOR avoiding direct connection MAINS to GENERATOR.
The panel AMF controller works in a control panel together with ancillary equipment: battery charger, electronic circuit boards, power relays, and so on. The AMF controller is conveniently tasked with driving the power contactors.
The size of the contactors defines the required power rating of the panel. Available sizes on the market are normally in the range of 25-250kVA. An advanced AMF controller features a range of adjustable settings and is engineered to comply with NFPA110 CAN/CSA-C282-M89 standards.
UTILITY POWER ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS FOR AN AMF PANEL
The most critical setup is about MAINS settings. As a matter of fact, the main job of the AMF controller is to detect a failure of the power utility (so-called MAINS).
A power outage can be total or partial. Can last for a few milliseconds, seconds, or days. A BERNINI DESIGN-made AMF controller is unique in the world. We have separated timers for the power utility breaker and engine start delay. The timers can be programmed for up to 24 hours.
In addition to settings about Voltage, Frequency, BERNINI DESIGN has a special 'SELF LEARNING' software. It is a sort of 'FUZZY' logic that learns the characteristics of the Mains.
The software continuously compares the variation of the Mains with the setting and the log history. This provides extraordinary results in system stability and fuel consumption saving.
AMF PANEL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
ALTHOUGH THE AMF CONTROLLER HAS BEEN DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS, THE AMF CONTROLLER MANUAL CONTAINS INFORMATION, CAUTIONS, AND WARNINGS THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION AND TO RETAIN THE AMF CONTROLLER IN SAFE CONDITION.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS SHOULD BE PERFORMED ONLY BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
ANY ADJUSTMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF THE OPENED AMF CONTROLLER UNDER VOLTAGE SHOULD BE AVOIDED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND, WHEN INEVITABLE, SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT ONLY BY A SKILLED PERSON WHO IS AWARE OF THE HAZARD INVOLVED.
The AMF Controller is an Automatic Mains Failure module designed for industrial power generators. It easily interfaces with diesel-gas-gasoline engines via digital sensors and general-purpose digital outputs. This controller is suitable for Automatic Mains Failure control panels up to 1000kVA. It is the only AMF CONTROLLER in the world with a rectangular size featuring a round-hole cut-out. These features will make you forget boring mechanical works. Save time by using the embedded relay board. Save at least 50% time in making generator control panels.
AMF CONTROLLER USER INTERFACE
Being a user-friendly controller the functions of this AMF controller are intuitive. The alarm panel indicates the presence of an alarm.
At the same time, the display provides alarm details and log event record. By using the [ACK] push button you can silence the horn and push the alarm into the log-event memory. This AMF controller allows you manual control of the engine. You can start and stop the set at any time. A green LED indicator informs you about the status of the engine.
Three push-buttons are committed to manually control the contactors or motorized switches. LED indicators show you in real time about the presence of the utility power and generator together with indications of the power circuit status.
You can change the mode of operation at anytime. Two push-buttons allow you to easily navigate the display. The display features very-well organized menus about instruments, parameters, alarms and miscellaneous information.
The AMF controller is enclosed in a standard DIN 192x96 instrument size. We recommend to make a round hole in between 60-70mm diameter(CUT-OUT).
DOWNLOAD THE AMF CONTROLLER FOOTPRINT FOR DRILLING
AMF CONTROLLER CONNECTION TUTORIAL
TYPICAL AMF CONTROLLER WIRING DIAGRAM
IN THIS EXAMPLE A 200 Amp AMF CONTROL PANEL. THE CONTACTORS ARE RATED 300 Amp AC1 CLASS AT 25 DEGREES CELSIUS ROOM TEMPERATURE.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU LIMIT THE SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT TO 50.000 Amp BY USING SUITABLE CIRCUIT BREAKERS ON THE UTILITY POWER AND GENERATOR. CONSIDER A DE-RATING DOWN TO 200 Amp AT 40 DEGREE CELSIUS ROOM TEMPERATURE.
AMF CONTROLLER KEY FEATURES
OVER 50 OPTIONS FOR EACH ADJUSTABLE OUTPUT
OVER 20 OPTIONS FOR EACH ADJUSTABLE INPUT
100 EVENTS LOG HISTORY TAGGED BY RTC
600VAC 3-PHASE VAC MONITORING
SUNLIGHT READABLE DISPLAY
OVER 100 ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS
12-BUTTON INDUSTRIAL CONTROL PANEL
ROUND CUT-OUT 60MM DIAM
6-PROGRAMMABLE DIGITAL INPUTS
5-PROGRAMMABLE LE RELAY OUTPUTS
DRIVES MOTORIZED CIRCUIT BREAKERS
WIDE TEMPERATURE OPERATING RANGE
UNDERSTANDING THE AMF CONTROLLER SPECIFICATIONS
Supply voltage: the voltage range of the battery to guarantee a good performance of the controller.
Beyond the specified limits, the controller may not work or could suffer severe damage.
Supply overvoltage: the maximum non-repetitive voltage on the supply terminal (0,1/1 sec)
Dimensions: it is about the total dimensions of the controller.
Panel Cut-out: the size of the hole that you are required to make on the panel door
Operating temperature range: /Humidity range. Climatic limits in which the controller can work normally.
Weight: the total net weight of the controller without packaging material
Static outputs characteristics: the maxim voltage and current provided by a single output
Logic: positive (PNP output) or negative (NPN)
Supply output for relays: the maximum allowed current.
Mains and Generator voltage Nominal Voltage input: the voltage operational limits of the AMF controller.
Damage may be expected applying voltage beyond the specified limits, for an uncontrolled period of time.
Mains & Generator overvoltage: the maximum allowed voltage applied for 60 seconds
Measurement precision: the maximum error of a measurement
Mains and Generator Frequency: the frequency operating range. No damage is expected beyond these limits
Current transformer input size: the minimum and maximum size of a current transformer (5Amp secondary current)
Digital inputs voltage: the maximum measured voltage when the input is 'open'
Digital inputs current rating: the maximum measured current when the input is 'closed'
Trigger level: the level of voltage that switches the logic condition H>L or L>H
Definition of 'Resolution': smallest discernible change of measurement result due to a minimum change in the input.
Definition of 'Accuracy': deviation from the actual value as fixed by universally accepted standards of frequency and time.
BERNINI DESIGN AMF CONTROLLER SPECIFICATIONS
Supply voltage: 5.5Vdc to 33Vdc, 50-150mA. Protection: internal 300mA thermal fuse.
Dimensions:: 192mm X 92mm X 20mm. Panel round Cut-out: 65mm, indoor operation
Operating temperature range: -25 deg C up to +70 deg C. Humidity range: 5% up to 95% non-condensing.
Weight: 410 grams General design: ECC 89/336, 89/392, 73/23, 93/68, IEC 68-2-6. Certification: CE
Static outputs characteristics: Output Current: 300mA/100Vdc short circuit proof. Logic: negative.
Supply output for relays: Max 1A at V battery minus 1Vdc (short circuit proof).
Mains and Generator voltage input: Nominal Voltage input: 70 Vac-600Vac.
Overvoltage: 4KVac phase to neutral. Measurement precision: +/- 1%. Input impedance: 2 Mega Ohm
Current transformer input size: 10/5Aac up to 9900/5Aac. Maximum admissible permanent current: 7Aac
Measurement precision: down to +/- 0%. Internal resistance: 0.05 Ohm CT SIZE: 10/5 up to 2000/5
Digital inputs: Open circuit voltage: Battery voltage minus 2V - Trigger level: < 2Vdc (max 15mA).
Charger alternator monitoring: Operating voltage up to 36Vdc/3W. Vdc reading accuracy: +/- 5%.
BERNINI DESIGN SRL
ZONA INDUSTRIALE
OSTIGLIA - ITALY
[email protected]
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