Efficient applications of bus transfer schemes

The application of bus transfer schemes in industrial and utility facilities, such as paper mills, petrochemical facilities, and utility power plants is significant in both its number and criticality. This paper will review the basics of main-tie-main bus transfer schemes, highlight the technical challenges associated with implementing such schemes, and examine how modern technology can provide solutions that enhance efficiency, engineering, and operations. Among the issues to be discussed in this paper are: (a) enhancing panel design by reducing the number of devices necessary for implementation; (b) achieving savings in wiring by utilizing IEC61850 peer-to-peer communication methods; (c) how modern technology enhances the ability to test and troubleshoot the scheme and; (d) examination of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of bus transfer schemes.