Development of a Compact Relay for High Voltage Switching of up to 1000V and 40A

The change in the renewable energy market, especially the dynamic increase of solar power plants and battery storage systems, is generating an increasing demand for high voltage and high current switching devices. In numerous systems, relays are used to control the electric circuits that satisfy requirements for safety and productivity. The break-through for renewables is directly linked to the cost pressure in a global market and competition with fossil fuels. This is the driving force for developing a new generation of highly economic relays, which will spur on this clean energy revolution. In this paper we outline the development of a small low cost power relay capable of switching a load of up to 1000VDC and 40A. We have focused on arc parameters to minimize size and cost with a very effective blow-out mechanism and an optimized extinction gap.