Research on the Optimization of Spring System Based on Virtual Prototyping

Abstract

The energy of DC arc influences the electrical life and reliability of relay’s contacts seriously. The study on shortening the arc duration by increasing the breaking velocity of contacts is important for reducing the contacts erosion and improving the contacts life. Firstly, it was indicated that increasing the breaking velocity is effective for reducing the arc time of this differential electromagnetic relay through life test, especially the breaking velocity of N.O. contacts. Then a new optimal model of spring system suitable for this relay was analyzed in increasing the breaking velocity. Secondly, electromagnetic model, mechanical model, dynamic simulation model, vibration model and thermal model of the optimal relay were built based on virtual prototyping. Finally, the optimal design was verified on the virtual prototyping platform and the results shows that the breaking velocity of N.O. contacts increases more than 100%, which provides the optimal scheme of improving the relay’s electrical life.