APPLICATION NOTE: GIGAVAC CONTACTORS FOR SMALL BATTERY PACK

Background

Modern  battery  packs  for  small,  high  power  applications such as battery powered fork lifts and residential battery energy storage, require robust  contactors  to  maintain  safe  operation. These packs often use lithium ion or lead acid batteries, which have become increasingly capable as technology has improved. With this increased  capability,  comes  greater  operating currents,  fault  currents  and  voltage  isolation requirements,  all  of  which  drive  the  need  for improved contactor performance. The main contactors on the pack need to be able to carry current under all operating conditions while being able to interrupt current in an emergency. The precharge contactorneeds  to  be  able  to hot switch to charge the load’s capacitors and maintain high voltage isolation once startup is complete.

Solution

High performance contactors from Sensata GIGAVAC are ideal for these applications. Sensata  GIGAVAC  is  an  innovator  with  its robust hermetic sealing technology and a partner  of  choice  with  its  strong  engineering support and commitment to world class operations. In particular, the new GV21 Series is  ideal  for  small,  high  power  applications, since these compact contactors are filled with an inert gas to increase switching performance and voltage isolation, while minimizing contact resistance, size and weight. The GV21 is suitable as a main contactor on both the positive and  negative  conductors  for  the  many  packs  in the 12VDC to 900VDC range at continuous operating  currents  up  to  150A.  Additionally, the P series of contactors is suitable for higher voltage  applications  up  to  80 A  at  1500  VDC and  PCB  mounted  applications.  This  can  be continuous  power  levels  from  3kW  to  100kW, including  forklifts,  AWP’s,  AGV’s,  golf  carts, lawn mowers, ATV’s, motorcycles, drones, home energy storage, solar PV and chargers. The GV21 and P Series are also suitable as a precharge contactor on these packs.

For more information, please contact Nijkerk Electronics.