Mechanical Relay Switchgear

Latching Sealed Mechanical Relays for Large Loads

Mechanical relay switchgear provides DC power routing for large loads up to 800 volts and 200 amperes within lunar distribution networks. Each 15-kilogram assembly uses latching cadmium-bronze contacts and ceramic standoffs to hold state without continuous coil current, drawing only 2 watts during operation. The lunar surface presents severe operational risks from intrusive, abrasive dust that fouls exposed contacts and degrades electromechanical hardware. To prevent particulate contamination and facilitate DC arc interruption, the unit isolates its switching mechanism inside hermetically sealed, hydrogen-filled chambers, providing a 30-year design lifetime, a 400,000-hour mean time between failures, and 100,000 operating cycles.

Latching sealed mechanical relays for switching large loads — low quiescent power, high current capacity, hermetic enclosure.