K-TEM: Online Power Can Thermal Simulation Tool

Abstract:
Power application market based on Power Can film capacitors requires high current capability coupled with high lifetime expectancy. During operation, the internal temperature of the component can reach high values due to the ripple current flow, and particular attention must be paid to this topic since film degradation can be accelerated by this phenomenon. In this work, an online thermal tool is presented, integrating FEM (Finite Element Method) simulations with customer application inputs. Exploiting this tool, an accurate evaluation of the temperature distribution can be obtained. K-TEM (KEMET Thermal Expectancy Model) enables an accurate and fast estimation of metallized film capacitor thermal behavior during application without the need to perform experimental tests.