Contactor Faults

contactor schematic

Contactors are the only moving part in a battery pack and although simple there are a number of contactor faults that will stop the operation of the battery pack. Introduction to Contactors There are two main types of contactors: Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC). A NO contactor does not allow current to flow … Read more

Aluminium Busbar Products

aluminium busbars as used on a battery module

for Cell Contacting Systems and Busbars Aluminium busbar products are used in manifold applications in batteries and battery systems due to their favourable structural, physical, and chemical properties. When it comes to cell contacting systems and busbars, electrical (and thermal) conductivity are decisive for balancing component resistance and cross-section to meet the designed space. However, … Read more

Volkswagen MEB Battery Pack ID Family

Volkswagen ID Family cars such ID 3, 4, 5, 7, Buzz are based on a Modular electric drive matrix (MEB) Chassis. This Chassis contains the battery pack built into the floor for optimal weight distribution. The MEB can be scaled for cars to SUV to Vans thus allowing for standardized components especially battery modules and … Read more

Electrical Contact Resistance

The Electrical Contact Resistance at a metal to metal contact is primarily governed by: The surface structure can be further described by the surface flatness, surface oxidation and water adsorption. These joints in a battery pack will either be welded or bolted. Initially the easiest to think about is the bolted busbar joint. The bolt … Read more

Pre-Charge Resistor

When the battery pack contactors are closed onto a motor and inverter there will be an inrush of current into the inverter capacitor. This very high current is at a minimum likely to age the contactors, it could permanently damage the contactors. Therefore, when we closed the contactors on the battery pack we do this … Read more

How to select EV Contactors

contactor current rating vs time

Contactor selection is an iterative process that includes consideration of system specifications as well as failure scenarios. Most of the contactor manufacturers share necessary information in datasheets. Thus, a wise approach would be making a comparison table to cover basic specifications like thermal and mechanical initially. System Specifications After pre-selection based on datasheet values, we … Read more

Contactors: The Basics

contactor schematic

Contactors are electromechanical switches. They control the connection of battery Cells to the external electrical circuit. A contactor has an electromagnetic circuit. It simply works like a solenoid to push moving contact [1]. Therefore, contactors have two different electrical circuits inside: one is for actuation and the other one is to carry currents during the … Read more