ABB Primary switching architecture SuperSwitch®4 technology
Primary switching architecture
Static Transfer Switches (STSs) are central components in data center power system
configurations. The typical system design incorporates two separate uninterruptible power
supplies (UPSs), Source 1 and Source 2 feeding the preferred and alternate sources of the STS.
These devices are the bridge between the power sources UPSs and the power
distribution units (PDUs) where a transformer is needed to typically switch the 480V
side (primary) to the 208V side (secondary). The primary side switching (480V) is the most common
and cost effective architecture to the customer in terms of smaller footprint and lower costs because
only one transformer is needed. The alternative architecture would be to switch the secondary
which would require each source to have its own fully rated transformer (208V).
The SuperSwitch®4 is the cornerstone of redundant power for a wide range of applications including
data centers, hospitals, semiconductor manufacturing and other installations where
continuous power is critical to a facility’s mission.
Engineered to protect critical loads in both commercial and industrial environments, these
switches can transfer power between any two sources of power, including any combination of
utility, UPS and generators.