Assessment of the Influence of the Technological Parameters on the Magnitude of the Electrical Contact Resistance of Current-Carrying Busbars with Magnetron Sputtered Thin Coatings

In many cases, operating conditions for low and medium voltage busbars are characterized by extreme electrical, cyclic and temperature loads and the presence of chemically active environment. The requirements for busbar materials are increased due to high loads and high operating temperatures. The use of a suitable coating and a method for its application can significantly increase the durability of the current-carrying busbars while maintaining their basic electrical and thermal characteristics. This, however, also alters the magnitude of the electrical contact resistance in the contact area. Interesting from a practical point of view is finding the optimal combination of technology, coating and magnitude of the electrical contact resistance, which is also the subject of this research.