Study & Simulation For Determining The Age of Electrolytic Capacitor Using ESR

The paper describes a method for detecting the ageing of coupling capacitor i.e, Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor (AEC) in the dc system. The life of AEC can be affected by electrical and environmental parameters. The aging of AECs can be monitored by knowing the Equivalent series resistancce (ESR). As the value of ESR increases, the ripples will be more and the AEC need to be replaced. The dc system is based on the solar photo voltaic system. When the value of ESR is less, the current and voltage ripple across the system can be reduced. The converter adopted as an interface is a dc-dc converter of boost configuration. An electrolytic capacitor of aluminum is positioned in between the solar PV and the converter in order to diminish the switching frequency variations in solar PV voltage. The life of solar PV panels are more when compared to that of AECs and it depends on the electrical and environmental parameters.