Study On Property Of Lower Capacity AC Contactor Based On Virtual Prototype Technology

Lower capacity AC contactors have the characteristics of simple structure, low cost, and high operating frequency. And they are widely used in the low voltage control system. Analyzing and doing research on the property of low capacity AC contactors by Virtual Prototype Technology has great significance both in theory and practice.Firstly, the suction and flux linkage under different air gap and current are obtained by the 3D static analysis of low capacity AC contacors’ electromagnetic system. The results are served as the basis of dynamic analysis.Secondly, the models of components are set up and assembled by Pro/E. Then the model of operating mechanism is leaded into ADAMS. Constraints and electromagnetic force calculated by ANSYS are put on to the models; By dynamic simulation, the closing time under different supply voltages and the phase-angles of closing is obtained, and the closing time is regarded as basis to be compared with measured data.Lastly, the practical circuit is build to measure the closing time of lower capacity AC contactors.Through comparing the measured results to the simulation results, the simulation models are proved to be correct.The influences on their performance caused by main design variables are predicted by Virtual Prototype Technology before lower capacity AC contactors are manufactured. The technology has some guidance and reference significance to improve lower AC contacors’ performance, reduce the development cost, shorten the development cycle.