Lifetime prediction and reliability analysis for aluminum electrolytic capacitors in EV charging module based on mission profiles

The charging modules of Electric vehicles (EVs) always run in a complex and variable state. As the weakness in the reliable operation of charging modules, the accurate lifetime prediction of aluminum electrolytic capacitors (Al-caps) is important for the later maintenance and reliability design. The hotspot temperature calculation method and lifetime model limit the accuracy of aluminum electrolytic capacitors lifetime prediction methods, which cannot meet the increasing requirements for reliability. In order to solve the problems above, this paper has proposed a hotspot temperature calculation method based on the ripple current with frequency characteristics and the cooling conditions on the heat generation and thermal conductivity of the capacitors. Furthermore, the lifetime model under reference voltage has been constructed with 3D surface fitting toolbox, which describes the trends of capacitor lifetime with ambient temperature and hotspot temperature under the constant voltage condition. Considering the variation of voltage, the multiple lifetime model of capacitor is established with a voltage correction coefficient. With the proposed method, it can be realized about the real-time lifetime prediction of capacitors under multiple operating profiles such as ripple current, thermal dissipation conditions, ambient temperature and operating voltage. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified with the annual profiles of a 30 kW EV charging module.