New Industry Products

Special Capacitors for Wind Power

September 28, 2017 by FTCAP

FTCAP is presenting moisture-proof capacitors as part of its appearance at HUSUM Wind

Everything revolves around wind energy at HUSUM Wind from 12 to 15 September 2017 – and FTCAP is also focussing on capacitors that are ideally suited for use in wind power plants. In addition to the moisture-proof capacitors and proven electrolytic capacitor banks from the Husum-based company, visitors will also be impressed by the high-performance PowerStack developed by FTCAP together with partners in the scope of a research project. 

The foil capacitors with special aluminium encapsulation could be a small revolution for wind power plant operators. “Air humidity is a major problem in offshore wind parks, in particular, because standard capacitors are very sensitive to moisture and salty air,” explained André Tausche, Managing Director of FTCAP. “Therefore, we have developed foil capacitors that are very well-protected from moisture, thanks to their special encapsulation.” As a result, the surface corroded by the moisture is limited to the isolation required outside of the capacitor. With their axial design provides anti-rotation protection in order to minimise stress from torque at the sensitive transition from the terminal to the capacitor foil. 

The proven electrolytic capacitor banks from FTCAP are well-suited for use in wind power plants, thanks to their robust construction. With these solutions, several capacitors can be connected to a single bus bar connection and permanently grouted with polyurethane in a sturdy plastic housing. The closed system makes it practically impossible for moisture to penetrate, which significantly extends the service even in harsh conditions, such as offshore. 

Visitors to HUSUM Wind will also be impressed with the high-performance PowerStacks that FTCAP has developed together with partners Mersen and AgileSwitch. These systems combine power modules, bus bars, capacitors, cooling devices and gate drivers in a single unit with high power density. FTCAP exhibit at Husum Wind is at stand 5B24.

 

About FTCAP

FTCAP Fischer und Tausche Capacitors has more than 70 years of experience in the development and production of capacitors used in diverse industries. The products include both film and electrolytic capacitors and FTCAP is one of the few companies to still manufacture all of its capacitors in Germany. In addition to standard capacitors in small and medium-sized quantities, the Husum-based manufacturer also offers special custom-made products for demanding applications: The company’s experts work in close cooperation with the customer to implement complex custom solutions. Since 2018 FTCAP belongs to the Mersen Group. The merger of the two enterprises will result in substantial growth potentials for both parties. The explicit goal is to offer innovative modules, in which FTCAP capacitors are optimised for use with busbars and heat sinks from Mersen.