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 ba sed on the consistent solution of a set of differential equations. This set of differential equations describes the energetic coupling of the electric al (supply), the magnetic and the mechanical (movement, forces) domains. Th e solution is based on the knowledge of the contactor specific magnetic co- energy and its inductance. Dependence of these two quantities on current, p osition and time is obtained from transient finite element analysis. This n ew computational approach enables significant reduction of calculation time . Its accuracy has been verified by comparison to experimental results.