OMRON Electronic Components introduced two new high‑voltage DC power relays—the G9KD and G9KJ—targeted at electric‑vehicle (EV) charging stations and battery energy‑storage systems (ESS). The devices are designed to handle up to 1,500 VDC and 150 A, offering PCB‑mountable alternatives to larger contactors and aiming to reduce system size, cost, and thermal load while supporting emerging 800 V‑ and 1,500 V‑platforms.
What Happened
OMRON announced the G9KD, a PCB‑mounted power relay capable of switching 1,500 VDC and carrying 150 A, and the G9KJ, a compact pre‑charge relay for managing inrush currents in high‑voltage DC applications. Both products emphasize high insulation, low contact resistance, and a form factor that enables tighter integration in EV chargers and ESS hardware. The launch includes a brief statement from Zac Hendrix, product marketing supervisor, who said the relays “enable engineers to design safer, more compact, and more efficient systems.”
Project or Policy Context
The relays arrive as the power‑electronics industry moves toward higher‑voltage architectures to improve power density and reduce cable losses in EV fast‑charging and large‑scale storage. Standards for 800 V and 1,500 V DC charging are gaining traction worldwide, prompting OEMs and integrators to seek components that can meet stricter safety and space constraints. OMRON positions the G9KD and G9KJ as bridge solutions between traditional contactors and next‑generation power modules.
Market Relevance
For utilities, grid‑scale storage operators, and EV‑charging network owners, the ability to replace bulkier contactors with PCB‑mounted relays can translate into lower capital expenditures and faster installation cycles. The relays’ high dielectric strength also aligns with safety requirements in high‑voltage environments, potentially easing permitting processes. While OMRON did not disclose initial order volumes, the products are aimed at the growing demand for compact, high‑performance switching components in North American and global markets.
Infrastructure Impact
The G9KD’s 150 A rating makes it suitable for main‑circuit protection in fast‑charging stations that deliver 150 kW or higher, while the G9KJ’s pre‑charge function helps manage the surge current when connecting high‑voltage battery packs, reducing stress on downstream components. By supporting PCB integration, the relays can help designers shrink the footprint of power modules, which is critical in densely packed charger cabinets and modular ESS racks. Improved thermal performance and reduced contact resistance also contribute to overall system efficiency, potentially lowering operating costs for large‑scale deployments.
Key Takeaways
- The G9KD relay switches up to 1,500 VDC and 150 A, allowing replacement of larger contactors with PCB‑mounted units.
- The G9KJ pre‑charge relay is optimized for high‑voltage DC inrush control in EV chargers and ESS, enhancing component protection.
- Both relays support emerging 800 V‑ and 1,500 V‑platforms, addressing space, safety, and efficiency challenges in modern power‑electronics designs.
EnergyInsyte's Take
OMRON’s entry into the high‑voltage DC relay market provides a practical option for engineers seeking to shrink charger and storage hardware without sacrificing safety or performance. Decision‑makers should evaluate the relays’ electrical ratings against their system architecture to determine if PCB mounting can replace existing contactors, potentially reducing BOM costs and installation time. The products’ compatibility with 800 V and 1,500 V platforms suggests they will be relevant as higher‑voltage standards become more common, but adoption will depend on validation in field trials and integration with existing control‑system designs. Monitoring early deployments will reveal whether the claimed cost and footprint benefits materialize at scale.
Source: Businesswire
