An FEM-based method for analysis of the dynamic behavior of AC contactors

The paper proposes a new computational approach for predicting the dynamic response characteristic of AC magnetic actuators, e.g. contactors. It is based on the consistent solution of a set of differential equations. This set of differential equations describes the energetic coupling of the electrical (supply), the magnetic and the mechanical (movement, forces) domains. The solution is based on the knowledge of the contactor specific magnetic co-energy and its inductance. Dependence of these two quantities on current, position and time is obtained from transient finite element analysis. This new computational approach enables significant reduction of calculation time. Its accuracy has been verified by comparison to experimental results.