Modern battery packs for high-power applications, such as battery-powered forklifts, require robust contactors to ensure safe and efficient operation while managing electricity and battery energy storage.
These high-power battery packs predominantly utilize lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries, which have advanced significantly in recent years due to technological improvements.
This enhanced capability has led to increased operating currents, fault currents and voltage isolation requirements, necessitating improved contactor performance.
The main contactors in the battery pack must reliably carry current under all operating conditions while being capable of interrupting the flow in an emergency. Meanwhile, the precharge contactor must be able to hot switch to charge the load’s capacitors and ensure high-voltage isolation once startup is complete.
Solution
Sensata GIGAVAC’s high-performance contactors are designed to meet the demands of these critical applications. Known for its innovation and robust hermetic sealing technology, Sensata GIGAVAC is a trusted partner that offers strong engineering support and a commitment to world-class operations.
The new GV350 Series stands out for high-power applications, featuring a compact, inert gas-filled design that enhances switching performance and voltage isolation while reducing size, contact resistance, and weight.
The GV350 serves as an ideal main contactor for both positive and negative conductors, supporting voltages from 12 VDC to 1000 VDC and continuous operating currents up to 500 A. This enables power levels ranging from 50 kW to 500 kW, making it well-suited for applications such as commercial forklifts, trucks, buses, hybrid ships, rail systems, DC fast chargers, and energy storage.
Additionally, the GV350 is an excellent choice as a precharge contactor for battery packs of 100 kW or larger.
Image Credit: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
Recommended Products
Source: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
| Reference on Diagram |
Product |
Features |
Function |
Brand |
| 1 |
GV350 Series |
- Optimized for low contact resistance
- Designed to switch under low for make/break applications
|
- Electrical Isolation and Protection
|
GIGAVAC |
| 2 |
GV210 Series |
- Hermetically sealed for improved voltage isolation and switching
- Operates in explosive and harsh environments without damage to contacts
|
- Electrical Isolation and Protection
|
GIGAVAC |
| 3 |
P Series |
- Hermetically sealed for performance
- Up to 80 A at 1500 VDC
- PCB mounting option
|
- Electrical Isolation and Protection
|
GIGAVAC |
Battery Pack with DC Loads
Image Credit: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Sensata Technologies, Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Sensata Technologies, Inc.