New Gigavac GV210 Series Contactors Enable Safe and Efficient Operation in Electrification Applications

Gigavac announced the availability of the new GV210 Series of hermetically sealed, gas-filled contactors, which offer high performance in a compact package for applications carrying 150A and below at 12 to 900 VDC. The series is the latest addition to GIGAVAC brand product line and is suitable as the main contactor for rapidly electrifying applications such as forklifts, home energy storage and small electric vehicles (EVs) as well as the pre-charge contactor in larger battery pack applications such as utility-scale energy storage and large EVs.

The GV210 can efficiently carry up to 150A continuously with low power losses. Capable of high pulse currents for fuse coordination, the contactor is also able to switch loads which enables safe operation. The hermetic seal exceeds IP67 and IP69 and prevents oxidation, allowing for reliable operation in corrosive or wet applications across a long mechanical lifetime of one million cycles. With an intrinsically safe design that is not mounting position sensitive, the GV210 series is suitable for use in a wide variety of installations in hazardous classified operating environments. The ability to switch and carry high currents on modest size conductors makes this series a more capable solution than open air contactors.

This series is ideal for use in the following types of battery systems:

• Main Contactor Solution for Electrification Applications with Small Battery Packs
  Applications with continuous power levels in the 3kW to 100kW range such as forklifts, Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), golf carts, motorcycles, drones, home energy storage, and small battery pack chargers.
• Quality Contactors for Higher Performing Lithium-ion Battery Chargers
  Battery charger applications where contactors play a critical safety role, such as keeping the plug unenergized when it is not plugged into a compatible battery pack.
• Ideal Pre-charge Contactor for Large Battery System Start up
  Pre-charge circuits in applications such as utility-scale energy storage and large electric vehicles.

“Due to this series, which helps to complete our contactor portfolio, we can now be a one-stop-shop for customers' circuit needs across a wide range of battery pack sizes. This, in turn, simplifies our customers' design and sourcing processes,” explains John Kluza, Product Marketing Manager at Gigavac.

To learn more, view the GV210 article or contact Nijkerk Electronics.