TDK Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Network Life Calculation Tool

There have been some discussions about the life of aluminum electrolytic capacitors, but there are not many demonstrations of life calculation. This issue will take you to learn about TDK Electronics' network life calculation tool for aluminum electrolytic capacitors. The link is as follows:

https://www.tdk-electronics.tdk.com/en/180482/design-support/design-tools/alcap-useful-life-calculation-tool

This page requires a flash plugin, so it is only supported on desktop computers or laptops (not suitable for smartphones and tablets at the moment)

The calculation results of the On-line Life Tool are more accurate, which can greatly improve the efficiency of customers' capacitor selection and is convenient and quick to use.

This tool was developed by our company over many years, and its background is supported by thermal resistance models and a large database.

Core principles:

Each aluminum electrolytic capacitor from TDK Electronics has its own thermal resistance model to calculate temperature rise and lifespan.

What factors should be considered when calculating the life of aluminum electrolytic capacitors? Please refer to the figure below.

Cause Analysis:

1. The difference between thermal resistance of different shapes (such as tall and thin and short and fat) requires a dedicated thermal resistance model;

2. Working voltage VS leakage current: voltage increases, dielectric layer loss increases, capacitor life decreases;

3. ESR and thermal resistance are proportional to the working time and load (changing trend: electrolyte loss & core drying). For the same ripple current, the temperature rise will be higher in the later life, and the capacitor life decay will be accelerated. Therefore, iterative calculation is more accurate in evaluating heat loss (life).

Network life calculation tool VS traditional life calculation formula:

The life calculation formulas currently on the market often correspond to one entire or multiple aluminum electrolytic capacitor series. From the above analysis and comparison, it is not difficult to see that the factors considered in the calculation mode of the life formula are not as comprehensive as those of the TDK Electronics Network Life Calculation Tool. Therefore, the calculation results of the network life tool will be more accurate.

In addition, the data provided by the network life calculation tool is more comprehensive, as shown below:

Thermal resistance, heat loss, core temperature, etc. can help customers verify the calculation results with their own models.