WITH ITS EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES, TERVAKOSKI FILMS GROUP’S ULTRAHIGH TEMPERATURE (UHT) CAPACITOR FILM WILL OFFER CAPACITOR MANUFACTURERS CONSIDERABLY IMPROVED CAPACITOR SAFETY AND SPACE REDUCTIONS.
IN CERTAIN INDUSTRIES, THE UHT FILM WILL ACCOMMODATE COMPLETE COMPATIBILITY WITH NEW SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY, ALLOWING FOR SIGNIFICANT ENERGY SAVINGS – A CRITICAL FACTOR IN THE GLOBAL QUEST TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.
Tervakoski Films Group’s new film, the most sophisticated to date, is an ultra-high temperature (UHT) film developed to overcome the limitations of existing high-temperature film solutions.
“Endurance tests show that our UHT film performs exceptionally well at high operating temperatures compared to standard BOPP films,” explains Vladimir Monček, R&D director at Tervakoski Films Group, and continues: “Additionally, it includes the top features of our state-of-the-art BOPP film, such as excellent self-healing behaviour and superb processability. Considering that our UHT film is also compatible with both standard silicon-based semiconductors and new generation wide-bandgap semiconductors, the film has something for everyone.”
The unparalleled stability of capacitance of the UHT film at high temperatures enhances capacitor system safety in all applications, thus having a positive impact also on the lifetime of capacitors. The UHT film can also unleash even further-reaching aspects depending on the semiconductor system the capacitors are part of.
A FILM FIT FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Until recently, the predominant semiconductor technology has been silicon (Si) based, but due to its wider bandgap characteristics, silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors are widely replacing traditional semiconductors. The wider bandgap makes silicon carbide better suited for high ambient temperatures and higher voltages, resulting in reductions in energy loss and lower heat generation, which ultimately means greater efficiency.
The UHT film’s unparalleled stability of capacitance considerably improves capacitor safety.
The new generation semiconductors require system components which are up to par, and so far, there have not been any market-ready solutions available on an industrial scale. This is where Tervakoski Films Group’s UHT film enters the picture, as it will make capacitors compatible with the new semiconductor technology.
A CAPACITOR DREAM UNION
“For capacitors in a wideband semiconductor system, our UHT film unlocks the door to the full potential of new technology; it will allow for more compact designs, operation at even higher temperatures, and enhanced efficiency,” says Ilkka Penttilä, CEO of Tervakoski Films Group.
Slimmer designs
Compact design is usually at the top of the wish list of both electric car manufacturers and operators in renewable energy sectors, as space is extremely limited in the former, and very expensive in the latter, especially at wind power platforms in the North Sea. The new UHT film allows capacitors to be compact while maintaining performance at high temperatures. Considering that capacitors occupy a significant amount of space on wind power platforms, a slimmer capacitor design allows for substantial reductions in installation costs.
Energy efficiency
The combination of wideband semiconductors and capacitors equipped with Tervakoski Films Group’s UHT film lowers energy losses in a significant way. This means, for example, that electric cars can travel further after being charged, and that HVDC and HVAC transmission systems can transfer energy more efficiently.
“Being able to open these opportunities to capacitor manufacturers feels great,” Penttilä says. “The transportation and energy sectors have a huge impact on the levels of greenhouse emissions, making all progress within electric vehicle and renewable energy industries vital.”
Unparallel performance at ultra-high temperatures
Because of its superb performance at extreme temperatures, the UHT film is the ideal capacitor enhancement for the automotive industry, where ambient temperatures rise to 120 C.
“Our UHT film shows exceptional stability of capacitance combined with minimal energy losses in endurance tests up to 130 C. Such characteristics will make electric cars even more efficient, thus speeding up the electrification of the global vehicle stock,” Monček predicts.
INDUSTRIAL-SCALE MANUFACTURING FROM START
Tervakoski Films Group’s UHT film is the only film of its kind which is ready for industrial-scale manufacturing. “We are proud to be able to offer our clients a unique capacitor film that has the capability to not only increase capacitor safety, but also to make the invaluable space and energy-saving characteristics accessible for them,” Penttilä concludes.
For capacitors in a wideband semiconductor system, the UHT film allows for more compact designs, operation at even higher temperatures, and enhanced efficiency.