Power capacitors with new terminal connection reduces assembly time 60%

By Carolyn Mathas, contributing writer

Two important challenges exist when installing power capacitors into high-vibration applications such as LV power correction and harmonic filters in wind power plants, solar panels and inverters, and thermal power stations — installation time and maintaining contact reliability. Most tubular power capacitors feature an IP20 terminal block with a screw connection that requires considerable installation time. Contact reliability over time is difficult to maintain without constant maintenance in a vibration-rich environment, known to eventually cause loose connections.

Vishay Intertechnology  addresses both challenges with its ESTA PhMKP series  of LVAC power capacitors. Featuring ESTAspring, the industry’s first lever-operated spring terminal connection is designed for environments with constant vibration. The screwless solution is faster and simpler to install based on spring force and lever actuation. The lever position indicates installation completion with sufficient connection force to eliminate torque specification concerns, previously common. The PhMKP series reduces assembly time by approximately 60%.

Maintenance-free, the PhMKP series offers maximum contact reliability over the life of the capacitors for LV power correction and harmonic filters. Never having to tighten screws loosened by vibration, the Vishay ESTA PhMKP series means increased connection reliability. The ESTAspring solution allows for a simple optical connection check so that when the lever is closed, device contact is successful.

The PhMKP series features include a stainless-steel spring, voltages from 230 V to 1,000 V, output from 2 kvar to 37.1 kvar, and a maximum terminal current of 90 A. The capacitors are corrosion-proof, and options include oil-filled and dry-gas−filled versions. The capacitors are RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, UL- and cUL-approved, and are Vishay Green.

Samples of the PhMKP series are currently available, and production quantities are available with a lead time of 10 weeks. Pricing for U.S. delivery begins at only $60 each.