Modeling of contact bounce of AC contactor

Abstract

A contactor is a switching device, usually operated by an electromagnet. They are widely used to operate relays that turn on electric motors and other electrical apparatus. The main components of a contactor are contacts, the springs, the magnets and a coil, so the designer of contactors needs to predict their mechanical and electrical performance. This is a coupled problem of electromagnetic fields, transient circuits and mechanical movement. This paper presents a methodology for dynamic analysis of AC cotactor, the model is based on the electro-magnetic system equations and mechanical dynamic properties of a real contactor.