Evaluation of electrolytic capacitors for high peak current pulseduty

A new type of electrolytic capacitor has been developed specifically for high-peak-current applications. Preliminary results of an ongoing research effort to determine the operational characteristics of this new type of electrolytic capacitor are reported. The new electrolytic capacitors, designed for pulse discharge application, were tested in a low-inductance discharge circuit to evaluate the maximum current extractable, internal inductance of the capacitors (equivalent series inductance), internal losses of the capacitor (equivalent series resistance), and the potential lifetimes of the capacitors. The peak currents extracted ranged from 17 kA for the 2000-μF unit to 27 kA for the 6800-μF unit, with pulsewidths ranging from approximately 100 to 280 μs for the 2000- and 6800-μF units, respectively