ree&pqj2

 
DC-link MPPF Capacitors Online Condition Monitoring System for AC/DC power converters integrated in Converter Control System

Fernando Gonzalez-Hernando(1), Victor M. Lopez-Martin(1), Hodei Balanzategi(1), Fernando Rodriguez(2), Fernando Auñon(2)

1. IKERLAN technology Research Centre Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) Arrasate-Mondragon, Basque Country (Spain)
2. Aluminium and Film Capacitors Business Group.TDK Electronics Components S. A. U. Malaga (Spain)

ftf

2026-01-20


im4

Abstract

In the realm of power electronic converters, thereliability and lifespan of DC-link capacitors play a crucial role in determining the overall system performance.

This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of lifetime management and estimation for DC-link capacitors. It introduces an online estimation algorithm implemented in a 120kW PV inverter demonstrator, utilizing TDK Electronics' ultra-low inductance series B2563* capacitors.

The paper demonstrates the implementation of the monitoring algorithm without the need of additional or dedicated voltage and/or current sensors during converter operation. All calculations are based on existing variables or estimates of capacitor variables.

The impact of factors such as ambient temperature, managed power, and DC-Link voltage is analysed and tested in the prototype.

Key words: DC-link capacitor degradation, Predictive maintenance, Smart inverters.

Published in: Renewable Energies, Environment & Power Quality Journal (REE&PQJ)
ISSUE: Vol. 24. No.1 Pages: 71-76
E-ISSN: 3020-531 X Date of Current Version: 2026-01-02
REF: 112 Issue Date: 2026-01-26
DOI:10.24084/reepqj24-112 Publisher: AEDERMACP/ EA4EPQ

References

[1] Z. Zhao, P. Davari, W. Lu, H. Wang y F. Blaabjerg, “An Overview of Condition Monitoring Techniques for Capacitors in DC-Link Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, pp. 3692-3716, 2021.

[2] H. Wang y F. Blaabjerg, “Reliability of Capacitors for DC-Link Applications in Power Electronic Converters - A Review,” IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, pp. 3569-3578, 2014.

[3] Soliman, Hammam, H. Wang y F. Blaabjerg, “A Review of the Condition Monitoring of Capacitors in Power Electronic Converters,” IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, pp. 4976-4989, 2016.

[4] M. Makdessi, A. Soualhi, A. Sari, P. Venet, H. Razik and G. Clerc, "Health monitoring of metallized film capacitors using Neo Fuzzy Neural approach," 2015 IEEE 24th International Symposium on Industrial Electronics (ISIE), Buzios, 2015, pp. 1266-1271

[5] J. W. Kolar, T. M. Wolbank y M. Schrodl, “Analytical Calculation of the RMS Current Stress on the DC Link Capacitor of Voltage DC Link PWM Converter Systems,” de 1999 Ninth International Conference on Electrical Machines and Drives, Canterbury, 1999.

[6] G. M. Buiatti, J. A. MartÍn-Ramos, A. M. R. Amaral, P. Dworakowski and A. J. M. Cardoso, "Condition Monitoring of Metallized Polypropylene Film Capacitors in Railway Power Trains," in IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, vol. 58, no. 10, pp. 3796-3805, Oct. 2009

[7] Vujacic, M.; Hammami, M.; Srndovic, M.; Grandi, G. “Analysis of dc-Link Voltage Switching Ripple in Three-Phase PWM Inverters”. Energies 2018, 11, 471


 
logos0
 
br

| Main | Articles | Publication-Regulations | Committees | Publication-Ethics | Open-Access | Fees | Background |

REE&PQJ is edited by:

European Association for the Development of Renewable Energies, Environment and Power Quality (EA4EPQ/AEDERMACP)

ICREPQ

Copyright © 2025 EA4EPQ All rights are reserved