Hybrid Vehicles and
Electric Vehicles Capacitors
General Description
The FHC1 & FHC2 range capacitor have been specially
design to be use in conjunction with Hybrid & Electric vehicles
IGBT modules.
DC FILTERING
LIFETIME EXPECTANCY
The series uses a dry-wound (non-oil-filled) segmented
metallized polypropylene, which features the controlled self-
healing process, specially treated to have a very high dielectric
strength in operating conditions up to 115°C.
One unique feature of the segmented metallized technology
is how the capacitor acts at the end of its lifetime. Unlike
electrolytic capacitors, which are a short circuit failure mode,
film capacitors only experience a parametric loss of capaci-
tance with no catastrophic failure mode. The capacitor
gradually loses capacitance over its lifetime and eventually
becomes an open circuit.
For more information on how segmented metallized films and
controlled self-healing works see a complete presentation.
Lifetime, therefore, as it is defined here, is a function of
several elements:
APPLICATIONS IN ELECTRIC
• Decrease in capacitance limit 2-5% or to meet customer
needs
VEHICLES
The FHC series capacitors are specifically designed to prevent
ripple currents from reaching back to the power source, and to
smooth out DC bus voltage variations. Capacitors are also used
to protect semiconductors - originally thyristors, but now IGBTs.
• Average applied voltage (expressed as a ratio vs nominal
rated voltage)
• Average hot spot temperature
By changing any of these parameters we can change the
defined “lifetime” of the capacitor. The capacitor will contin-
ue to function even beyond the pre-established limit for
capacitance decrease.
STANDARDS
IEC 61071-1, IEC 61071-2: Power electronic capacitors
AECQ 200: with specific deviation for power capacitors
CONSTRUCTION
The internal construction of the FHC Series is based on several
elementary wound bobbins soldered by reinforced solder point
on specific bus bar offering, the benefits of which include:
flexibility in internal design, current capability and repartition,
reduction of thermal expansion constraints, high winding
productivity, modularity in three dimensions.
PACKAGING
FHC Series capacitors are enclosed in an unpainted, rectangu-
lar, resin filled plastic case. Aluminium cases are available upon
request.
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