Optimization of Low-Voltage Metallized Film Capacitor Geometry

Thermal constraint is one of the major cause of capacitor failures. In this paper, a loss model, based on electrode current distribution, is first established to determine, by numerical simulation, a temperature mapping of capacitor. This mapping is successfully compared to measurements. Then a shape optimization, coupling losses computing and finite-element method, is led in order to find parameters that give the best lifespan and the larger reactive power provided. Very interesting new geometries have been found out; they allow an increase in reactive power greater than the increase in volume