Suntan Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Storage Performance
When an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is stored under no load conditions for a long period of time, its leakage current tends to increase slightly. This is due to a drop in the withstand voltage of the dielectric caused by the reaction of the anode oxide layer with the electrolyte. When the voltage is applied to the capacitor, the leakage current returns to its initial level because of the re-forming action of the electrolyte (called voltage treatment). If the storage temperature is high, the leakage current will increase substantially. Therefore, it is desirable to store capacitors at normal temperature level with no direct sunlight. A voltage treatment is recommended when using a capacitor stored for a long period of time. The treatment for an individual capacitor is accomplished by charging up to its rated voltage through a resistance of about 1 kΩ and applying the voltage for approximately 30 minutes.
