Metallized polypropylene film capacitors in repetitive pulse applications

With the expanding of the pulse application, high repetition pulse power technology has become an essential topic. Research to explore the application of self-healing capacitors to repetitive pulse power systems is of great importance. This paper focus on high energy density capacitors applied in repetitive pulse applications less than 100 Hz. Firstly, a heat transfer model based on the finite element method is developed to analyze the distribution of temperature rise in the capacitor. The simulation results are accordant with that of the experimental temperature rise. Secondly, lifetime characteristic of pulse capacitors applied in milliseconds pulse applications is investigated through the establishment of the repetition lifetime test platform. The results demonstrate that the lifetime will increase with the increase of the repetition rate. Moreover, failure mechanisms of pulse capacitor applied in high repetition rate must to be paid special attention. Excessive temperature rise combined with high electric field may result in the disastrous breakdown of the capacitors. Further research must be conducted to determine the failure mechanisms.