High-voltage DC contactor for high-power systems

TDK Corporation has announced the HVC50, a high-voltage DC contactor designed for connecting or disconnecting lithium-ion batteries with up to 1500V in traction applications, ESS, and megawatt charging systems (MCS). With this component, the company enables its customers to drive the green transformation towards an all-electric society and decrease their carbon footprint.

In a single event, the device can disconnect DC voltages of up to 1500V and DC currents of up to 1000A in less than 30ms. Continuously, it can carry up to 750A. Weighing 1.7kg and measuring 97.8mm x 140mm x 94.2mm, this component is created for the demanding needs of industrial applications and commercial vehicles, combining reliability, safety, and easy integration.

The device features a ceramic arc chamber with a gas-filled design, providing rapid and safe current disconnection even under extreme conditions. Its integrated mirror contact, compliant with IEC 60947-4-1, improves operational safety by supplying precise switching feedback. Thanks to the bidirectional capability of the contactor, currents can flow both ways seamlessly, making it extremely versatile. A dual-coil design for operating voltages of 12V or 24V ensures energy-efficient operation. The making power is 50W, whereas the steady-state power is just 6W, because after some 200ms, one of the two coils can be switched off.

Certified to CE, UKCA, and UL standards, the HVC50 contactor aligns with global safety and performance benchmarks, supporting its use in various regions, including Europe, the US, and Asia. By managing the growing demand for efficient and reliable power in ESS and MCS, the device is poised to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions and high-capacity charging infrastructures worldwide.