METHOD AND MEANS FOR DETECTING INCIPIENT CAPACITOR FAILURE

摘要

Incipient failure of a capacitor operating as a part of an induction furnace circuit is detected by monitoring the capacitor to determine the presence of high-frequency signals generated by the capacitor as its dielectric material deteriorates. The lower limit of the frequencies of such signals is in the range from 50 to 200 kHz. The sensing apparatus for a 3 kHz induction heating circuit includes detector means for converting the generated signals exceeding about 150 kHz into a control signal whose level exceeds a predetermined value when the generated signals are representative of incipient deterioration of the dielectric. Indicator means responsive to the control signal is operated when the latter signal exceeds said predetermined value, and may disconnect power from the capacitor.