Development of a 30,000-Ampere Reversing Contactor.
Abstract
This report describes the design and construction of a double-pole double-throw 30,000-ampere contactor for use in a 400-horsepower experimental propulsion system. The contactor is designed to reverse the polarity of the input current to the motor for motor reversal. The contactor consists of two opposed contact assemblies, each assembly consisting of vie contact plates which are connected by bus bars to the generator and motor terminals. A motor-driven shuttle slides between the contact assemblies to electrically connect pairs of contact plates together to form a double-pole, double-throw center-off configuration. The size of the contactor, exclusive of the drive motor, is 0.533 x 0.406 x 0.139 meter. At 30,000 amperes, contactor losses are less than 2000 watts. The small size and low insertion loss of the contactor is primarily due to an unique multilouvered contact strip which is inserted into slots milled into the surface of the shuttle. These contact strips are rated by the manufacturer for a continuous current density of 466 amperes per square inch. The small size and low loss of this contactor compare favorably with contactors of similar current ratings presently available. Preliminary tests have shown that the contactor meets or exceeds the design specifications and that its characteristics are better than those predicted. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086289
Entities
People
- David W Taylor
- Donald B. Steen