Ageing test bench for electrolytic capacitors in the context of electric vehicles — Electrical and thermal modeling from real-time identification viewpoint

The aim of this paper is to present the design process and the use of an ageing test bench for electrolytic capacitors dedicated to automotive applications. For this purpose, a small electric vehicle (Renault Twizy) powertrain has been taken as an example in order to choose adapted capacitors, to evaluate their stress in a “real world” application and to determine the best solution for an accelerated ageing study. Thus, specific static converters used in a controlled oven have been designed. On the basis of these tests (and capacitors' impedance analysis), an accurate model of these components has been developed and the ageing process is to be continued after more 7000 hours already done.