Arc Problems in Intercity Buses and Solution Studies of a Real Problem

Abstract

Although modern vehicles are equipped with special electronic controller similar to programmable logic controller (PLC) to reduce wiring harness and relays, switching elements have found more and more place in vehicles with the increase of electronic circuits and safety requirements like every aspect of industry. In spite of its wide use, relays have some disadvantages because of being an electromechanical part. Limited mechanical and electrical lifetime, influence from environmental conditions such as ambient temperature, humidity, dust and contaminant gases, arc discharge between contacts and subsequently material transfer and erosion on contact surface are some of them. The main aim of manufacturers and consumers of relay is to remove these disadvantages and subsequently to increase efficiency of relays. In this study, DC relays which uses automotive applications, arc and arc caused a real problem belongs to an intercity bus electrical system will be mentioned