Why does UPS capacitors fails and require replacing?

Why does UPS capacitors fails and require replacing?

Capacitors are an integral part in any UPS system, smoothing, filtering and storing energy. But they are also amongst the components in an uninterruptible power supply that are most likely to fail (along with batteries). We’ve put together an informative whitepaper that looks at UPS capacitors in detail. It explores their integral role, how long a typical capacitor should last for, the factors that affect lifespan, what happens when a capacitor fails, and what preventive steps can reduce this likelihood.

When will UPS capacitors fail and what happens when they do?

There are numerous signs a capacitor may be about to fail. Service engineers can spot most of these during a Preventive Maintenance Visit (PMV):

• Leaking oil

• Deformation

• Burnt valve cap protrusion    

• Increase in temperature

• Scorched wires

What are the main UPS capacitors?

Every UPS includes dozens of capacitors ranging in size from a mini drink can to a large tube of Pringles. These components are found in the printed circuit boards and the main power section. It’s the latter our whitepaper focuses on:

• AC input capacitors

• AC output capacitors

• DC capacitors

UPS capacitors naturally age over time, degrading physically and chemically. Even though a capacitor can deliver up to 10 years of service life, best practice advises replacement between years 4 and 8 to reduce the threat of serious failure. Excessive heat, current and overuse can all shorten a UPS capacitor’s lifespan.

Capacitors generally fail in two ways. Firstly, there’s failing in “open” condition. This is where they basically stop working, which can be quite hard to detect as there’s little visible evidence of malfunction. The alternative is “short” failure, where there’s an obvious leak of the dielectric medium. Sometimes the capacitor even “pops” like a firework.

There is a third condition too, where the capacitor fails gradually and falls out of tolerance.

Capacitor failure has a negative impact on the wider uninterruptible power supply. Its filtering ability will suffer, so harmonics and electrical noise will be more of a problem. Energy storage volume decreases too, while it can also damage battery strings. The worst-case scenario of a major capacitor failure will switch the UPS to bypass mode, which obviously leaves the critical load unprotected. 

For more information, visit or website www.riello-ups.in or email us at marketing@riello-power.com