I am working on a project where I would like to flicker a piece of 15*20cm PDLC film on/off really quickly, varying between 50Hz and 160Hz.
My plan is to strip off the plug from the PDLC and connect it to a Solid State Relay, which will be hooked up to a 220V → 48-65V switchable transformer connected to UK mains power. The SSR's DC control input terminals will then be connected to an Arduino, which will manipulate the PDLC film on/off quickly.
I think the most important factor is the SSR that I am using; I'm looking at either ordering the Schneider SSL1A12JDR Harmony SSR (280Vac/2A max load, 0.07 A minimum load, 3-12V control voltage, 24-280Vac load voltage) or Sensata / Crydom ASO242R SSR (280Vrms/2A max load, 0.06 A minimum load, 4-12V control voltage, 12-280Vrms load voltage).
Both are "Instantaneous" according to RS Electronics, but I'm not 100% confident as the Crydom SSR refers to "random turnon" and the Schneider site refers to "random voltage switching", which doesn't make total sense to me. Is it possible to be both random and instantaneous?
Link to the Schneider SSR: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/solid-state-relays/9221821
Link to the Crydom SSR: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/solid-state-relays/7385507
That said, I think either should fit the bill, but it's worth mentioning that I'm making an educating guess over the minimum load because I don't know what the PDLC actually draws. Annoyingly, all that I know about the PDLC is that it has a "Type A 200V plug", and the seller hasn't replied to my request for additional information. I expect it to be relatively low though, especially given how small the PDLC film sheet is.
Link to the PDLC: 15x20cm Smart Film Starter Electrochromic PDLC Switchable Glass ODM OEM Welcome! | eBay
I've never worked directly with mains power before, so keen to make sure I don't accidentally blow myself (or anybody else) up. Would appreciate any thoughts on whether this approach seems sensible. Thanks!