Energy saving not only in industrial automation
The role of bistable relays
The energy transition facing businesses requires both innovation and efficient energy management. One promising solution is bistable relays, which only consume energy when the state changes, as opposed to traditional relays that require continuous power supply.
The significant reduction in energy consumption in bistable relays is provided by an arrangement to hold the contacts in a specific position without the need for a continuous supply of energy. As a result, bistable relays only consume energy when their state changes (on/off, off/on).
Traditional electromagnetic relay vs. bistable relay
Bistable relays require only one pulse to switch on and off, and there is no need for a continuous coil power supply during operation.
In a traditional electromagnetic relay, energy is mainly consumed on the control circuit side. The current flowing through the solenoid coil generates a magnetic field, which creates an attractive force for the jumper set with the relay contacts. Thus, a conventional relay, once the coil is energised, is switched on. However, a continuous power supply to the coil is required to maintain this state, and the energy supplied is largely converted into lost heat.
This is not necessary with a bistable relay, so its use allows less energy to be consumed and, as a result, significantly less heat to be dissipated than with a traditional relay,
How was the new bistable relay created?
The new R2B, R3B, R4B series of bistable relays was created on the basis of the R2N, R3N, R4N series of electromagnetic relays, which have been known and appreciated for years. This is an example of effective cooperation between Relpol S.A.'s Development Department and employees of the Institute of Automatics, Electronics and Electrotechnology and the Institute of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Zielona Góra. The project involved both the preparation of the design of a new type of relay and the development of industrial production technology for it.
In order to achieve the ambitious goals of the project, top tools of modern engineering were used, including virtual and real prototyping, methods supporting the creation of unique solutions (TRIZ) and robotisation of production processes.
As a result, two solutions used in the new line of relays were granted patent protection by the Polish Patent Office.
More about the work and the design solutions used https://journals.pan.pl/dlibra/publication/151679/edition/132492/content
Where to use industrial bistable relay
- Industrial automation - in industrial automation processes to control motors, pumps and other equipment
- Lighting control - in lighting control systems to turn lights on or off with a single pulse and maintain their status without the need for continuous power supply
- BMS - in a variety of smart home applications, such as controlling curtains, blinds, garage doors or other household appliances.
- HVAC systems - in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to control fans, dampers and other components
- Remote control systems - for remote control systems to maintain the status of specific functions in electronic devices
- Timing applications - for connections to timers to control activities that must remain
For more information on capabilities and technical parameters, visit https://www.relpol.pl/en/Products/Industrial-bistable-relays