January 2017 – Power Capacitors – The One Stop Shop for All Your Needs

Published on: 09/01/2017

From standard and custom built power capacitors to obsolescence and replacement parts for all applications

Power Capacitors

Applications that require power capacitors demand replacements before the equipment package reaches the end of its life. This is certainly the case in mid-life refurbishments in the rail traction and marine industries. Refurbishments generally take place after 20-30 years of operation and it’s a common issue to find that the capacitors are no longer produced by the original equipment manufacturer.

GD Rectifiers work closely with API Capacitors, specialising in the supply of standard and custom built capacitors specifically designed to meet application requirements. This capability allows both GD Rectifiers and API Capacitors to provide a solution to parts that are now obsolete.

We provide replacements for some of the world’s leading power capacitor brands, including: EPCOS, TDK, Vishay and Electronicon.

We offer an extensive range of snubber capacitors for use in older gate turn off thyristor circuits which are becoming increasingly popular as a number of mainstream manufacturers are discontinuing various capacitor designs.

All customers benefit from a fully interchangeable product with superior performance, efficiency and reliability. API Capacitors have provided solutions for many customers facing obsolescence problems over the last few months, some of these projects include:

1.     Eurostar International Class 373 Locomotives 

API Capacitors successfully undertook the design and production of an all thin dielectric film capacitor to replace a bank of Siemens Electrolytic capacitors used on the auxiliary converter (hotel load converter) circuits on the trains. These particular capacitors provide all the lighting, heating, ventilation, and other hotel facilities in the passenger compartments.

2. London Underground Central Line 

API recently completed the supply of replacement filter capacitors on all 92TS rolling stock as a part of the life extension programme and traction systems overhaul to ensure these trains can operate for another 15 – 20 years.

3.     Brush Traction 

API Capacitors designed and supplied a number of obsolete designs of power capacitors for use in two brand new battery electric locomotives built in the UK for MTR Corporation in Hong Kong based on 1980s designs.  API was selected as a specialist manufacturer as we are able to re-create retro fit capacitor designs. The brief was to maintain compatibility with existing rolling stock.

GD Rectifiers work closely with API Capacitors to build custom designs for large rail projects. We have an extensive knowledge and expertise in designing, building and launching new rail concepts.

Learn more about GD Rectifiers by visiting our website: www.gdrectifiers.co.uk.

Contact us today to find out more about how we could help with your upcoming projects, all images courtesy of API Capacitors.

Call: 01444 243 452 or email: enquiries@gdrectifiers.co.uk