Capacitors for High Current,
Power Semiconductor,
and DC Applications
g
GE Capacitors
GE TD&IS
Transmission, Distribution & Industrial Systems, Fort Edward, NY 12828
CPD 513
Rev. B
3-00 5k
© 2000 GE Company
GE Capacitors for High-Current, Power
Semiconductor, and DC Applications
Capacitors for Power Electronics require special high-performance designs for the
varied applications. This catalog describes capacitors for a number of demanding
applications where high currents and/or high voltages are common. Given the special
nature of these applications, care must be taken to ensure that the capacitors are
correctly applied. Information is included to help with the more common application
conditions. An Application Data Sheet is also provided to enlist the help of GE’s
Application Engineers. Please use this sheet if you need assistance or want to verify
your own calculations.
Table of Contents
Page Description
Application Data Sheet 2 Sheet for submitting data to GE for review
Descriptive Information 3 General Information on capacitor construc-
tion
SCR Commutation 4 High and very high-current applications,
Capacitors such as SCR commutation, SCR and GTO
snubbers, and high-frequency AC circuits
Metallized Polyester 7 High microfarad per unit volume designs for
SCR Capacitors up to 250 V peak. Used in high-frequency
chopper circuits
Snubber Capacitors 9 Medium current snubber capacitors for
Power Semiconductor circuits
Application Data for SCR 11 Derating information for Current Pulsewidth
and Snubber Capacitors and Temperature. Worked examples for
common conditions
General Purpose DC 13 DC Capacitors for voltages up to 2500 V
Capacitors
Mounting Hardware 15 Brackets for mounting capacitors
1
© 2000 GE Company
Capacitor Application Data Sheet
To ensure correct selection of a capacitor for
your application, please provide the information
indicated below. This sheet may be duplicated
or additional copies may be obtained from GE.
Of particular importance are the voltage and
current waveforms complete with values of
voltage and current over a complete cycle.
Send this data to your local GE Sales
Office or directly to:
General Electric Company
Transmission Systems
381 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828-1000, U.S.A.
Attn: Industrial Capacitor Sales
FAX: (518) 746-5524
PRIMARY INFORMATION (Essential)
Company Name______________________________Tel No. (Incl. Country & City codes) _______________________
Address________________________________________________________FAX No. __________________________
Person to contact:______________________________________________
1. Application: _______________________________________________________
2. Capacitance:________________________ Tolerance:____________________
3. Peak Voltage: _____________________RMS Voltage: ______________________Voltage Reversal(%)________
4. Peak Current: ________________________RMS Current: ______________________
5. Transient Voltage: ________________ Duration: ___________Freq. of Occurence: _______________________
6. Frequency or Repetition Rate (Hz): __________________Duty Cycle: __________________________________
7. Ambient Temperature: ________________Max.: _______________Min.: ______________
8. Capacitor Charge Time: ________________Discharge Time: _____________________
9. Required Operating Life (Hours): _____________________________________________________
10.Waveforms:
+
Voltage 0 Time
- -
- -
-
+
Current 0 Time
- -
- -
-
SECONDARY INFORMATION (Provide as Appropriate)
11. Physical Size Limitations: _________________________________________________________________
12. Mounting Requirements: __________________________________________________________________
13. Applicable Specifications: _________________________________________________________________
14. Type of Cooling Available: _________________________________________________________________
15. Unusual Atmospheric Conditions: ___________________________________________________________
16. Other Special Requirements: ________________________________________________________________
17. Potential Usage: ______________________________
2
© 2000 GE Company
Film/Foil Electrode Construction Film/Paper Foil Construction
GE’s Foil Electrode capacitors are manufactured
with sheets of high quality aluminum foil as the
electrodes. The dielectric consists of two sheets of
polypropylene film. The film is manufactured in GE’s
own Capacitor Materials Operation. It is specially
designed with a rough surface to allow full impregna-
tion by the dielectric fluid. The aluminum foil elec-
trodes extend, one on each end of the capacitor roll,
so that a solder connection can be made. Depending
on the typical current for the type of capacitor, the
internal connections from the roll ends to the termi-
nals are either braided cables or tin-plated copper
straps. This construction provides capacitors that are
inherently capable of handling high RMS and peak
currents.
GE’s Film/Paper/Foil capacitors are manufactured
with high grade film and foil, and capacitor grade kraft
paper. They are typically high voltage DC rated and
are treated with Geconol capacitor dielectric fluid.
These capacitors are exposed foil construction for
use in snubber and or DC filtering applications.
DIELECTRIC FLUIDS
All of GE’s dielectric fluids are chosen for
specific characteristics that match the other
components in the capacitor dielectric system and the
applications for which the capacitors are intended.
Each fluid is based on one or two major
constituents and blended with proprietary
additives for optimum performance.
Dielectrol VII
A Benzyl Toluene-based fluid, used for film/foil
high current products.
Polypropylene Film
Polypropylene Film
Polypropylene Film
Polypropylene Film
Foil
Foil
Polypropylene Film
Paper
Polypropylene Film
Paper
Foil
Foil
3
© 2000 GE Company
This family of capacitors is designed for high-current applications, such as
(1) SCR commutation, (2) snubbers for SCRs, GTOs and other power
semiconductors, and (3) for any other circuits where the combination of
frequency and voltage results in high RMS currents. An Application Note is
provided to assist in the proper use of these devices. It is strongly recom-
mended that users refer to GE engineers for assistance if there are any
questions as to the correct selection of capacitors. The A97F8600/
A97F8700 Series have an all-film dielectric and, due to the much lower
dissipation factor, can handle much higher currents than the older film paper
designs.
Advances in capacitor Dielectric technology have made paint
unnecesary, in most cases. This along with GE’s commitment to
environmental programs has led to the elimination of painted cases in
this product line. Removal of the paint has minimal affect on the RMS
current ratings; see the standard ratings charts for proper application.
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Capacitance Range: 1 to 50 µF
Capacitance Tolerance: ± 10%
Capacitance Variation with Temperature: ± 3% from -55 °C to +85 °C
Rated Voltage: See Ratings Tables. Rating is the Maximum Peak voltage
permissible in either polarity.
Rated Current: See Ratings Tables. The value given is for derating purposes
only. Refer to the Application Note on Page 12 to determine
the required derating. In no circumstances should the RMS
Current rating of the terminals be exceeded.
Operating Temperature: -40 °C to +75 °C
Storage Temperature: -55 °C to +90 °C
Operating Life: 40,000 hours with 95% survival with proper derating
Dissipation Factor: 0.02% maximum
Case Material/Finish: Oval Case & Cover: Unpainted Aluminum
Rectangular Case & Cover: Unpainted Steel
Terminations/Hardware: 1/4 - 20 screw thread studs (60 A RMS maximum)
3/8 - 16 screw thread studs (100 A RMS maximum)
Case Styles C* and D* have 100-A terminals.
Nut and washer hardware is supplied in bag
Dielectric Fluid: A97F8600/ A97F8700 series: Dielektrol VII
Internal Protection: These capacitors do not contain an internal protection
mechanism. The user is responsible for ensuring that the
capacitors are correctly applied for safe use.
SCR Commutation Capacitors
A97F8600 / A97F8700 Series 600 to 1500 Volts Peak
4
© 2000 GE Company
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kaePstloV006
2
5
0102030405
0768F79A 1768F79A 2768F79A 3768F79A 4768F79A 5768F79A 6768F79A
A
A
C
D
D
G
G
83.2 05.4 52.4 52.5 52.7 81.5 52.6
8368 631 532 933 414 016
kaePstloV008
1
2
5
01025203
7768F79A 8768F79A 9768F79A 0868F79A 1868F79A 2868F79A 3868F79A
A
A
C
C
G
G
G
26.2 05.3 88.3 57.5 26.4 26.5 52.6
827429 851 672 043 493
Case Styles A, C and D
SCR Commutation Capacitors
(All Dimensions in Inches)
* ALL UNITS ARE UNPAINTED CASE & COVER
Case
Style G Case Styles C* and D*
Case Style a b d f
A 2.16 1.31 0.81 1.18
C 2.91 1.91 1.38 1.12
D 3.66 1.97 1.38 1.12
C* 2.91 1.91 1.25 0.91
D* 3.66 1.97 1.25 0.91
STANDARD RATINGS *
5
© 2000 GE Company
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kaePstloV0001
2
3
5
5
0101
4168F79A 5168F79A 6168F79A 7168F79A 8168F79A 9168F79A
A
C
C
*C
D
*D
57.4 88.3 57.4 52.5 52.6 57.6
5517 201 701 281 981
kaePstloV0051
1
2
3
5
5
01
0268F79A 1268F79A 2268F79A 3268F79A 4268F79A 5268F79A
A
C
C
C
*C
G
88.3 88.3 05.4 52.6 57.6 81.5
538567 611 121 702
SCR Commutation Capacitors
(All Dimensions in Inches)
STANDARD RATINGS *
* ALL UNITS ARE UNPAINTED CASE & COVER
Case Styles A, C and D
Case Styles C* and D*
Case
Style G
Case Style a b d f
A 2.16 1.31 0.81 1.18
C 2.91 1.91 1.38 1.12
D 3.66 1.97 1.38 1.12
C* 2.91 1.91 1.25 0.91
D* 3.66 1.97 1.25 0.91
6
© 2000 GE Company
97F7500 Series SCR Commutation Capacitors
250 Volts Peak
The 97F7500 Series is a special purpose line designed for
applications where a large micro-farad value at low voltage is
required in a small size. The dielectric system is metallized
polyester. Typical applications are in SCR chopper circuits and
low-voltage ac filters. Refer to the Application Note on page 12
for assistance in the correct application of these capacitors.
Please note that previous offering of these capacitors was
with painted cases, to improve heat dissipation. The units
will no longer be painted as part of GE’s committment to
environmental programs. Please note the change in RMS
current ratings from previous catalogs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Capacitance Range: 25 to 200 µF
Capacitance Tolerance: ± 10%
Capacitance Variation with Temperature: ±3% from -20 °C to +80 °C
Rated Voltage: 250 V Peak. The rating is the Maximum Peak voltage permis
sible in either polarity.
Rated Current: See Ratings Tables. The value given is for derating purposes
only.Refer to the Application Note on Page 12 to determine
the required derating. In no circumstances should the RMS
current rating of the terminals be exceeded.
Operating Temperature: -40 °C to +70 °C
Storage Temperature: -55 °C to +90 °C
Operating Life: 40,000 hours with 95% survival with proper derating
Dissipation Factor: 0.6% maximum
Case Material/Finish: Oval Case & Cover: Aluminum
Unpainted case and cover
Terminations: 1/4 - 20 screw thread studs (60 A RMS maximum)
Dielectric Fluid: Dielektrol VI
Internal Protection: These capacitors do not contain an internal protection
mechanism. The user is responsible for ensuring that the
capacitors are correctly applied for safe use.
7
© 2000 GE Company
97F7500 Series SCR Commutation Capacitors
(All Dimensions in Inches)
STANDARD RATINGS
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kaePstloV052
05 001 521 051
0257F79 4157F79 3157F79 2157F79
C
D
D
D
21.3 05.3 52.4 57.4
72545546
* * NOTE ALL RMS CURRENT RATINGS ARE FOR
UNPAINTED UNITS.
Case Styles A, C and D
Case Style a b d f
A 2.16 1.31 0.81 1.18
C 2.91 1.91 1.38 1.12
D 3.66 1.97 1.38 1.12
C* 2.91 1.91 1.25 0.91
D* 3.66 1.97 1.25 0.91
8
© 2000 GE Company
A28F5000 Series Snubbers Capacitors
1000 and 2000 Volts Peak/ Max DC
The A28F5000 series of Snubber Capacitors are designed for
use in power semiconductor circuits to protect the semicon-
ductor by limiting the rate of voltage rise. The dielectric system
is polypropylene and paper with foil electrodes. The RMS
currents encountered in these circuits are usually low; how-
ever, the peak currents are very high. Refer to the Application
Data for correct application of these capacitors.
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Capacitance Range: 0.05 to 2 µF
Capacitance Tolerance: ± 10%
Capacitance Variation with Temperature: ±3% from -30 °C to +80 °C
Rated Voltage: See Ratings Table. The rating is the Maximum Peak voltage
permissible in either polarity.
Rated Current: See Ratings Tables. The value given is for derating purposes
only. Refer to the Application Note on Page 12 to determine
the required derating. In no circumstances should the 10
Amp RMS Current rating of the eyelet terminals be
exceeded. For 1/4-20 threaded terminals, full current less
any derating may be applied.
Operating Temperature: -40 °C to +70 °C
Storage Temperature: -55 °C to +90 °C
Operating Life: 40,000 hours with 95% survival with proper derating
Dissipation Factor: 0.3% maximum
Case Material/Finish: Aluminum Case with Steel Cover for eyelet terminal designs;
Aluminum case with Aluminum Cover for *Threaded
terminals.
Terminations: 0.125-in. Solder Eyelets (10 Amp RMS maximum) & 1/4-20
screw thread studs (60 A RMS maximum) For threaded
terminal designs, nut and washer hardware is supplied in bag
Dielectric Fluid: A28F5500 Series Dielektrol VII
A28F5600 Series Dielektrol VII
Internal Protection: Internal Pressure Sensitive Interrupter for eyelet designs.
Threaded terminal designs do not contain an internal
protection mechanism. The user is responsible for ensuring
that the capacitors are correctly applied for safe use
9
© 2000 GE Company
A28F5000 Series Snubber Capacitors
(All Dimensions in Inches)
Standard Ratings
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5. 0.1 0.2
2055F82A 3055F82A 4055F82A
A
A
A
21.2 21.2 88.2
6
711
CDxaM/kaePstloV0002
50. 01. 01. 52. 52. 05. 05. 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2
0065F82A 1065F82A 5165F82A 2065F82A 5065F82A 3065F82A 6065F82A 4065F82A 7065F82A 8865F82A 8065F82A
A
A*A
A*A
A*A
A*A
C*C
21.2 21.2 21.2 21.2 21.2 88.2 88.2 05.4 05.4 52.4 52.4
2
3
3
4
4
7
7
21217171
* Denotes 1/4-20 threaded terminal styles
baelytSesaC
13.161.2A 19.119.2C
10
© 2000 GE Company
Application Data for SCR and Snubbers Capacitors
For use with capacitor series:
A97F8600/ A97F8700
This Application Note is designed to allow users
to select the correct capacitor for two common
conditions encountered in power electronic circuits:
(a) Sinusoidal waveform
(b) Squarewave.
For applications that do not fit into either of these
categories, please contact your GE sales
representative for assistance.
To select the correct capacitor proceed as
follows:
1. Determine the following:
(1) Microfarad value required
(2) Peak voltage
(3) RMS current
(4) Current pulsewidth
(5) Capacitor ambient temperature.
2. Select a capacitor with the correct
capacitance and a peak voltage equal to or
greater than the application voltage.
3. Apply the correction factors on the opposite
page for Current Pulsewidth and Ambient
Temperature to the 55 °C RMS Current
Rating of the selected capacitor.
If the “corrected” RMS current value is equal to or
greater than the RMS current of the application, the
capacitor is suitable. If not, a capacitor with a higher
current rating must be selected. This can be done
by choosing a higher voltage capacitor. Note that the
All-FilmA 97F8600 series has the highest current
ratings.
Note: In no case should the actual RMS current
exceed the limit of the capacitor terminals .
Example No. 1
Capacitance: 10 mF
Voltage: 200 Vac RMS 3 kHz
Sinewave
Ambient Temperature: 65 °C
Peak Voltage = 200 x Ö2 = 283 Volts
RMS Current = 2p x 3000 x 10 x 10 -6 x 200
= 37.7 A
Current Pulsewidth = 166 µs
The A97F8672 has a current rating of 136 A.
Applying the correction factors for a 166 ms
pulsewidth and a 65 °C ambient:
RMS current rating = 136 x 0.56 x 0.75
= 57.1 A
This capacitor is satisfactory.
Note the terminal limit of 60 amps.
Example No. 2
Capacitance: 5 µF
Voltage: 60 Vac RMS 16.6 kHz
Sinewave
Ambient T emperature: 65°C
Peak Voltag = 60 Ö2 = 85 V
RMS current = 2p x 16,600 x 5 x 10 -6 x 60
= 31.3 A
Current Pulsewidth = 3 0 µs
The A97F8671 is rated 86 amps which becomes
80.6A with the correction factors. This is more
than adequate. Again, note the 60-A terminal
limitation.
Example No. 3
Capacitance: 20 µF
Voltage: 600 Vpeak unidirectional
squarewave
Frequency: 200 Hz
Rise Time: 60 µs
Fall Time: 60 µs
Ambient Temperature: 65°C
Peak Voltage = 600 V
CDV 20 x 10-6 x 600
I peak = = = 313 A
0.64t 0.64 x 60 x 10
I rms = 313 Ö60 x 10-6 x 200 = 32.4 A
Current Pulsewidth = 60 ms
The A97F8673 has a peak voltage rating of 600
V and a current rating of 235 A. The correction
factor for 65°C is 0.75, and for a 60 µs pulsewidth
it is 0.90. Thus its current rating in this application is
235 x 0.80 x 0.90 = 158.6 A; adequate for the
application. Again, note the 60A terminal limitation.
-6
11
© 2000 GE Company
SINEWAVE CONDITIONS SQUAREWAVE CONDITIONS
I = Current (Amperes)
V = Voltage (Volts)
C = Capacitance (Farads)
f = Frequency (Hertz)
t = Current
Pulsewidth (Seconds)
T = Period (Seconds)
Irms = 2pp
pp
p fC Vrms = v rms
pp
pp
pc
t
Vpeak = Ö2 V rms
Ipeak = DV = CDV
0.64t
pp
pp
pc
2t
Irms = Ö2[Ipeak ]2 =
Öft
2Öft Ipeak
CORRECTION FACTOR FOR
CURRENT PULSEWIDTH
CORRECTION FACTOR FOR
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
RMS CURRENT
CORRECTION
FACTOR
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE- DEGREES C
12
RMS CURRENT
CORRECTION
FACTOR
© 2000 GE Company
General Purpose DC Capacitors
1500, and 2500 Volts Peak
This line of General Purpose DC Capacitors is made with
film/paper technology for 1500V and 2500V ratings. These
capacitors are typically used in DC filters at voltages above
those served by electrolytic type construction.
SPECIFICATIONS
Available Capacitance Range: 0.1 to 50 µF
Capacitance Tolerance: 26F Series: ±10%
Capacitance Variation with Temperature: ±5% from -40 °C to +70 °C
Rated Voltage: See Ratings Tables. The rating is the Maximum Peak dc
voltage.
Ripple Voltage: The RMS ripple voltage should not exceed the following
percentages of the rated voltage for these frequencies:
Frequency % of Rated Voltage
60 Hz 30
120 Hz 20
400 Hz 14
1,000 Hz 8
10,000 Hz 1
Operating Temperature: -30 °C to +70 °C
Storage Temperature: -55 °C to +90 °C
Operating Life: 60,000 hours with 94% survival with proper derating
Dissipation Factor: 0.3% maximum
Case Material/Finish: Aluminum Case (NO PAINT)
Terminations: (2) 0.25 x 0.031 inch quick connect blades, and one fork
blade per terminal
Dielectric Fluid: Dielektrol VII
Internal Protection: Pressure Sensitive Interrupter
13
© 2000 GE Company
ecnaticapaC )Fµ( #golataC esaC elytS thgieH )ni(c
kaePstloV0051
1
2
4
5
6
8
01
0057F62A 1057F62A 2057F62A 3057F62A 4057F62A 5057F62A 6057F62A
A
A
C
C
C
C
D
21.2 21.3 21.3 88.3 52.4 52.5 52.5
kaePstloV0052
1.0 52.0 5.0 0.1 0.2 0.4
5157F62A 6157F62A 7157F62A 6757F62A 9157F62A 0257F62A
A
A
A
A
A
C
21.2 21.2 21.2 21.3 52.4 52.4
General Purpose DC
Capacitors
(All Dimensions in Inches)
STANDARD RATINGS
baelytSesaC
13.161.2A 65.196.2B 19.119.2C 79.166.3D
14
© 2000 GE Company
Mounting Hardware
(All Dimensions in Inches)
FOOTED BRACKETS FOR
OVAL CASE STYLES
(2 per Capacitor)
For the proper bracket, match the
capacitor case height to the case
height shown next to the bracket part
traPtekcarBesaC rebmuNthgieH
012000029C20321.2 002000029C20383.2 002000029C20326.2 311000029C20388.2 971000029C20321.3 911000029C20305.3 511000029C20388.3 221000029C20352.4 112000029C20305.4 611000029C20357.4 351000029C20352.5 332000029C20305.5 902000029C20357.5 251000029C20352.6 312000029C20357.6 412000029C20352.7
FOOTED BRACKETS FOR
RECTANGULAR CASE STYLE G
(2 per Capacitor)
traPtekcarBesaC rebmuNthgieH
981000029C20381.5 091000029C20352.6 702000029C20352.7 491000029C20300.8 691000029C20300.9
esaC edelytS
00.365.2A** 65.331.3B 18.383.3C 65.431.4D
** Cannot be used on “A” base
size units with threaded
terminals (Aluminum covers).
15
© 2000 GE Company
Mounting Hardware
(All Dimensions in Inches)
UNIVERSAL WRAPAROUND
BRACKETS
FOR OVAL CASE STYLES
WRAPAROUND BRACKETS
FOR OVAL CASE STYLES
Case Bracket Part
Style number d e
A 128A2244AC021 2.6 9 3.1 3
B 128A2244AB025 3.2 7 3.7 0
C 128A2244AB022 3.4 4 3.88
D 128A2244AB023 4.1 9 4.63
Case Bracket Part
Style Number d e w t
A 9827065000021 2.56 2.94 0.50 0.02
B 9827065000031 3.06 3.50 0.63 0.02
C 614A301000061 3.31 3.81 0.75 0.03
D 614A301000051 4/06 4.56 0.75 0.03
16
Please contact your GE Sales Reresentative for further
information, or write to:
GE Industrial Systems
Transmission, Distribution & Industrial Systems
381 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828-1000
