Estimation of Residual Lifetime of Electrolytic Capacitor using Analytical Techniques

Abstract

In the fast-evolving era of digital electronics, reliability has become a critical issue. Due to failure and faults, the component manufacturers face market reputation degradation as well as financial set back. The condition monitoring for power electronics are based on basic principles; however, by analyzing failure modes of semiconductor devices and exploring appropriate techniques, situation has been improved a lot. From toy to satellite, an electrolytic capacitor is mostly used as an important component. This paper enlightens the estimation of residual lifetime of electrolytic capacitor using analytical techniques, so that these components can be reused and problem of WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) can be reduced to a large extent. The residual life of electrolytic capacitor is calculated using various analytical and mathematical technique. Accuracy of empirical standard prediction methods such as military handbook MILHDBK and RIAC217 is compared for the residual life prediction of electrolytic capacitor. RIAC217 plus technique proves to be more accurate than MILHDBK or other standard techniques. By predicting the residual life, the capability of re-use the component increases and problem of e-waste is decreased to a great extent. Thus, the residual lifetime prediction is a critical parameter for successful operation of device as well as safe healthy environment

State of the Art of Research towards Sustainable Power Electronics

“…In [51], thermal cycling and defect occurrence prediction analysis were carried out on a transformer and a capacitor to assess their reuse potential. Similar to [50], the result obtained shows that the electrolytic capacitor could be reused a maximum of two times. On the other hand, the reuse rate of the transformer was estimated to be much higher, i.e., 5 to 10 times.…”

“…The circularity at the product level for a reusability perspective is further addressed. The two topics identified in the literature research are the reuse of passive components [50,51], and the repurposing of PC Power Supply Units (PC PSUs). In the latter topic, 14 publications were found from five academic institutions, namely the Universities of Sheffield, Toulouse, Vietnam, Bach Khoa and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia.…”

“…Regarding the reuse of passive components, the key point is to estimate their remaining lifespan. As presented by [50], fault prediction methodologies exist based on MIL-HDBK-217/RIAC 217 Plus or the IEC62380 standard [54]. These authors analyze operating conditions to estimate the lifespans of an electrolytic capacitor.…”