Applications of Capacitors in Power Electronics

Dear Colleagues,

Capacitors are found everywhere in power electronics. They are used as DC-link capacitors in power converters in power generation with renewables, HVDC power transmission, train traction, or EVs. They are also used further in filter applications for grid stability.

However, in recent years, the development of wide band gap semiconductors like SiC or GaN has made significant progress. The application of such new wide band gap devices requires new passives and especially new capacitors with high power density, low ESR values, a high ripple current capability, as well as high-temperature stability. Further, outstanding reliability and lifetime is required.

New capacitor materials are needed to improve the properties of existing capacitor technologies. Aluminum polymer capacitors, for example, are used increasingly frequently in the field of automotive applications. Tantalum capacitors are receiving more attraction due to the higher exploration of Li ores also enhancing the availability of tantalum metal. New nanolaminates, co-polymers with biaxially poly-propylene and nano-composites, seem to be candidates to improve metallized film capacitors. Also, progress in compositions of ceramics enhances the use of ceramic capacitors. Besides materials, the application of AI and machine learning also improves the state of the condition monitoring of capacitors in circuits.

So, the future is likely to bring new innovations in the field of capacitors for power electronics.

This Special Issue focuses on the enhancement of power quality and stability of modern power systems through power-electronic-based solutions. It aims to lay a foundation for the further integration of renewable energies in future renewable-dominated power systems. The topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

• New materials and designs of aluminum electrolytic capacitors, especially polymer and hybrid-polymer capacitors;
• Materials and designs of tantalum electrolytic capacitors;
• New materials and designs of metallized film and power capacitors;
• New materials and design of ceramic capacitors;
• Condition monitoring of capacitors using artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Ebel
Guest Editor

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