Dennis Maller, VP of Engineering, Trombetta:
"Improving the Value Proposition of Line Contactors
for Electric Vehicles"

Significant benefits in total performance and economics are achieved with a line contactor developed for modern AC Variable Frequency and DC PWM controller based applications. This is in contrast with the traditional approach of using a contactor developed for legacy applications where it served as the primary power switch for motor start stop applications characterized by high inrush and interrupt current requirements.

Modern electric vehicles utilize an electronic controller to manage power transfer between batteries and drive motor. The DC contactor, typically placed in series between the battery and the controller to allow battery disconnect, is commanded to open and close while the controller is allowing no current flow. Furthermore, many controllers are able to dynamically manage power to the contactor coil. By working with Electric Vehicle systems engineers to understand and capture these and other relevant application details, the line contactor can be optimized for the application. The resulting benefits are the elimination of material waste where it does not add value while enabling improved vehicle reliability and realized value by defining and incorporating features customers truly value.

About Dennis Maller:

  • Bio coming soon