Accelerated-Life Testing of Power Capacitor Dielectric Systems

The degradation behavior of various dielectric systems for power capacitor use is discussed. Accelerated life testing of prototype capacitors and their constituent dielectric materials are described in detail. The composite polypropy lene/kraft paper system was estimated to have a life time of more than 30 years in service and its degradation behavior was predominantly determined by that of the kraft paper. Moreover, the all-film type system has a longer lifetime than that of the composite system.