The burgeoning adoption of automated meter reading (AMR) by power utilities continues to propel the growth of smart meters. This transition away from periodic physical meter readings towards near real-time consumption data not only curtails operational expenses but also facilitates enhanced energy use management for both utilities and consumers.
A staggering 40 percent of power meters are stationed outdoors, exposed to the unforgiving elements of high humidity and erratic temperature fluctuations. While conventional meters with straightforward electromechanical designs endure outdoor mounting effortlessly, the intricate electronic systems of smart meters encounter a formidable challenge. These devices, relying on a capacitive power supply where the crucial AC capacitor remains in a permanent series connection to the power line, confront a critical issue exacerbated by the combination of high humidity and temperatures. Conventional capacitors experience a significant decline in capacitance, limiting their operational longevity within smart meters.
Traditionally, standard EMI suppression capacitors have occupied this pivotal circuit position due to their safety certifications (UL, ENEC). Nevertheless, these capacitors lack tailored specifications to meet the extended operational demands of power meters.
The paramount challenge for the component manufacturer was to engineer a capacitor that could maintain exceptional capacitance stability across decades, regardless of prevailing climatic conditions. This objective underscored the development goals for the UF Capacitors X2 THB heavy-duty series of AC film capacitors. These capacitors amalgamate robust capacitance stability under AC load and extreme environmental conditions within compact dimensions, while upholding safety certification for an X2 rating.
Metallized film capacitors stand as a secure technology owing to their self-healing property, allowing them to rectify weak dielectric areas during overvoltages. They represent the sole viable alternative for high capacitance values, elevated peak voltages, high-temperature thresholds (105°C), and X2 safety levels (capability to withstand overvoltages up to 1000 V). Leveraging their superior dielectric strength, the THB heavy-duty series obviates the need for capacitor overdimensioning within the circuit.
In contrast to the prevalent use of polypropylene (PP) film in the majority of X2 class EMI capacitors, the THB series adopts polyester (PET) film. With a dielectric constant 50 percent higher than PP film, PET exhibits superior resistance to high temperatures, enabling capacitors suitable for operating temperatures up to 125°C.
Augmenting the capacitor's resistance to humidity emerged as another pivotal requirement. To safeguard against moisture intrusion, the THB series integrates specially engineered materials for the casing, resin filling, and metallic spray used for lead connections. A significant enhancement was achieved by employing a non-metallized plastic film, a departure from the zinc-metallized material common in X2 and AC capacitors. This strategic shift mitigates susceptibility to humidity-induced corrosion, prevalent in the severe outdoor conditions frequently encountered in meter installations. Additionally, the film metallization profiles of the THB series have been optimized for heightened resilience against humidity.
Consequently, the THB series of capacitors guarantees remarkable capacitance stability even under the most severe conditions, aligning seamlessly with the stringent safety prerequisites incumbent upon X2 capacitors.
In long-term reliability testing under standard conditions (85°C, 85% relative humidity, 275 V AC), X2 and AC capacitors exhibit a capacitance drift of less than 2% after 1000 hours. In contrast, capacitors devoid of the outlined design techniques display a drift surpassing 10% after merely 500 hours. Adherence to the IEC 60384-14 standard is imperative, stipulating a maximum capacitance drift of 10% after 1000 h at the maximum temperature for the climatic category and at 1.25 times the rated voltage, especially for capacitors integrated into smart meters.
Given the exigencies of smart meters and the paramount emphasis on reliability, exclusive utilization of X2 and AC film capacitors explicitly tailored to meet the rigorous environmental requisites of such applications becomes imperative. They should unequivocally comply with IEC60384-14 safety certification requirements. Owing to their dependable performance in high-humidity settings, such capacitors are ideally suited for the burgeoning landscape of smart meters.
Additionally, due to their reliable performance in high-humidity conditions, these capacitors find versatile applications not only in smart meters but also in other domains such as motion sensors, household appliances, rolling shutters, and products necessitating low-current and cost-effective capacitive power supplies.
UF Capacitors is an ISO9001-certified manufacturer in China, founded in 1995. We hold military
qualifications for tantalum capacitors, MLCC, and other products. Additionally, we have a UL-recognized
test laboratory located at our factory site.
Our marketing position is to provide a superior alternative to first-tier brands such as TDK, Murata,
AVX, EPCOS, Vishay, and Panasonic. We offer similar quality but at better prices, with faster
lead times and excellent service. With extensive experience working with renowned international
companies like GE,Philips,Jabil, and Flex, we have built a strong reputation.
UF Capacitors serves the consumer electronics, computing, communications, and industrial markets.
As a professional Chinese electronic components manufacturer, we are dedicated to delivering
high-quality electronic components, exceptional management, strict quality control systems,
and excellent sales service. We strive to foster mutually beneficial partnerships and drive
business growth.
UF capacitors produce reliable pin to pin replacement to 1st tier brands like Vishay, TDK, Kemet etc as following at much better price and lead time around 4 weeks. Thanks
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Descriptiom |
UFCapacitors |
Vishay |
TDK/Epcos |
Kemet/Arcotronics |
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X2 Series |
MKP3382 Series MKP3384 Series MKP3392 Series |
B32921C/D-B32928C/D Series B81 130 Series |
R46 Series PHE840M Series PHE850 Series PMR-209 Series |
