Electrical system with capacitor elements and method for monitoring at least one capacitor element in an electrical system

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to an electrical system (100) having capacitor elements (10) and a method for operating at least one capacitor element in an electrical system, wherein at least one sensor (20, 20', 20") is configured to measure at least one parameter selected from a device parameter (D) and an environmental parameter (E), a processing unit (30) is configured to process the at least one parameter and to evaluate capacitor element information (CEI) of the at least one capacitor element based on the at least one parameter, and wherein the capacitor element information comprises one or more selected from a capacitance loss, a tangent change, a stress, a remaining lifetime, a failure condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrical system having a capacitor element and a method for operating at least one capacitor element in the electrical system. Background Technology

[0002] For example, film capacitors or aluminum capacitors are widely used in many applications. For instance, converters used to regulate power signals to the desired parameters of electrical appliances incorporate such capacitor elements as fundamental components, which need to function correctly. However, film capacitors may be exposed to the risk of premature aging, such as due to insulation resistance failure, which can lead to the pyrolysis of the dielectric polymer within the capacitor. This pyrolysis process causes the polymer material to decompose, thus producing flammable gases. In the event of a leak in the capacitor casing, these gases may escape into the environment. Therefore, there is a risk of explosion when these gases are released. Aging can be caused by a combination of environmental and operating conditions, and can affect different degradation mechanisms in various ways, such as self-healing, electrochemical corrosion, or mechanical degradation.

[0003] To date, the primary solution to prevent unexpected capacitor failures is to measure capacitance and loss factor, compare these parameters with previous measurements, and perform a visual inspection. Typically, the capacitor must be disconnected from the power supply circuit before measurement and inspection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] At least one object of a particular embodiment is to provide an electrical system having at least one capacitor element. At least one other object of the particular embodiment is to provide a method for monitoring at least one capacitor element in an electrical system.

[0005] These objectives are achieved by the subject matter and methods according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of this subject matter and methods are presented in the dependent claims and are also disclosed in the following description and drawings.

[0006] According to at least one embodiment, the electrical system includes at least one capacitor element. The capacitor element may also be simply referred to as a capacitor below, and may be, for example, a film capacitor. Typically, a film capacitor includes a dielectric polymer film on which electrodes are disposed. The electrodes of the film capacitor may be metallized aluminum or zinc directly applied to the surface of the polymer film, or a separate metal foil. To form the capacitor body, two of these conductive layers may be wound into a cylindrical winding, or may be stacked as multiple monolayers stacked together. Alternatively, the capacitor element may be another type of capacitor, such as an aluminum electrolytic capacitor. Furthermore, the electrical system may include multiple capacitor elements, wherein the following description may apply to any one of the multiple capacitor elements.

[0007] According to at least one other embodiment, a method for monitoring at least one capacitor element in an electrical system is described. The preceding and following descriptions are equally applicable to electrical systems having at least one capacitor element and to the method for monitoring at least one capacitor element in an electrical system.

[0008] According to another embodiment, at least one parameter is measured, said at least one parameter being selected from device parameters and environmental parameters. Furthermore, capacitor element information of at least one capacitor element can be evaluated based on the at least one measured parameter. Therefore, the electrical system may include at least one sensor configured to measure at least one parameter selected from device parameters and environmental parameters. Additionally, the electrical system may also include a processing unit configured to process the at least one parameter and evaluate the capacitor element information of at least one capacitor element based on the at least one parameter.

[0009] In this context and hereinafter, device parameters can be parameters directly related to a capacitor element or at least one component thereof and / or to an electrical system or at least one component thereof, while environmental parameters can be, for example, parameters of the atmosphere surrounding the capacitor element and / or the electrical system. A device parameter can be an electrical parameter, such as the voltage and / or current applied to the device, or the temperature of the device or at least one component thereof. Sensors configured to measure device parameters can be, for example, voltage sensors, current sensors, temperature sensors, and can be directly coupled to the device, for example, through mechanical contact, inductive coupling, or optical coupling. Environmental parameters can be, for example, the temperature of the atmosphere surrounding the capacitor element, the concentration of one or more types of gases contained in the atmosphere surrounding the capacitor element, or vibration or mechanical shock. Sensors configured to measure environmental parameters can be, for example, temperature sensors or gas sensors, which can preferably be located in the atmosphere surrounding the capacitor element, or can be vibration sensors in contact with components of the electrical system.

[0010] An electrical system can be, for example, a converter used to convert an electrical signal characterized by voltage, current, and / or frequency into another electrical signal. For instance, a converter is configured to convert a high-voltage AC input signal having a specific frequency into an output signal having another voltage and / or a different frequency. Furthermore, an electrical system can also be another electrical device comprising at least one capacitor element.

[0011] According to another embodiment, during the operation of the electrical system and / or at least one capacitor element, at least one parameter is measured in real time, and capacitor element information is evaluated in real time. Therefore, capacitor element information of at least one capacitor element can be obtained during the operation of the electrical system without requiring the electrical system to be shut down, disconnected, or otherwise interfered with to obtain information about at least one capacitor element. Furthermore, information can be provided to the operator of the electrical system based on the capacitor element information. Preferably, at least one parameter is measured continuously during the operation of the electrical system. Additionally, at least one parameter can also be measured continuously when the electrical system or at least a portion thereof is shut down or even disconnected. Continuous measurement can in particular mean performing the measurement repeatedly, for example at certain measurement time intervals separated by non-measurement time intervals where no measurement is performed, or even permanently, i.e., substantially or even completely uninterrupted by non-measurement time intervals. For example, the measurement of at least one parameter can be performed every few minutes, every few seconds, every 2 seconds, every 1 second, every 100 milliseconds, or even at shorter intervals or permanently. This can also be similarly applied to the evaluation of capacitor element information by the processing unit.

[0012] In particular, the electrical systems and methods described herein can be used with respect to one or more safety devices, which can be used individually or in combination to create an overall safety environment for at least one capacitor element during operation. Specifically, one or more safety devices can be implemented in the electrical system, enabling the system to acquire data and further process and evaluate the data to obtain information about at least one capacitor element. Based on the obtained information, a status report or alarm can be generated, for example, to notify the operator about the status of the capacitor element and / or about the actions that should be taken.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the capacitor element information includes one or more conditions of the capacitor element that can be used to determine the current state of the capacitor element and / or possible actions, and may particularly include one or more selected from capacitance loss, tangent variation, stress, remaining lifetime, and failure conditions. In particular, the capacitor element information can be an instantaneous value or an evolution of a value over time. Therefore, the capacitor element information may include one or more selected from instantaneous capacitance loss, the evolution of capacitance loss over time, instantaneous tangent variation, the evolution of tangent variation over time, instantaneous stress, stress accumulated over time, remaining lifetime, and failure conditions. Capacitance loss, tangent variation, and / or stress can contribute to, for example, the aging state of the capacitor element. In particular, stress can be caused by mechanical stress and / or electrical stress and / or temperature-induced stress. Temperature-induced stress may be caused by the temperature of the capacitor element or its components and / or by ambient temperature. Electrical stress may be caused by voltage and / or current applied to the capacitor element. Mechanical stress may be caused by vibration and / or mechanical shock applied directly to the capacitor element and / or indirectly applied to the capacitor element via other components of the electrical system. A fault condition can be a condition in which a capacitor element may cause harmful and / or dangerous situations to the electrical system.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the evaluation of capacitor element information can be performed based on an empirical model and / or simulation and / or determined thresholds. In particular, the evaluation can preferably be performed using mathematical formulas and / or algorithms based on empirical models and / or simulations and / or determined thresholds. The model, simulation, and thresholds can be particularly adapted to at least one capacitor element, such that, for example, different mathematical formulas and / or algorithms can be used for different capacitor elements. The processing unit may, for example, include a microprocessor or a personal computer.

[0015] The condition of the evaluated capacitor element can be monitored and inspected in real time in the form of information about the evaluated capacitor element, to ensure, for example, that the capacitor element meets specifications, i.e., is in proper operating condition, and / or to determine aging condition and / or to ensure that the evaluated condition can be responded to appropriately if necessary. In particular, one or more measured parameters and / or capacitor element information can be stored and can be used as a basis for monitoring and / or as a basis for decisions, for example, regarding the further use or replacement of the capacitor element.

[0016] According to another embodiment, a plurality of parameters selected from device parameters and environmental parameters are measured, wherein the parameters may be processed individually and / or in combination to evaluate capacitor element information. Therefore, at least one sensor in the electrical system may include or may be a plurality of sensors configured to measure a plurality of parameters selected from device parameters and environmental parameters.

[0017] According to another embodiment, at least one sensor includes one or more sensors configured to measure the electrical condition of the operation of a capacitor element and / or an electrical system or component thereof. This electrical condition may be an operating voltage preferably applied to at least one capacitor element, and / or an operating current preferably applied to at least one capacitor element. Furthermore, at least one sensor may include one or more sensors configured to measure the temperature of the at least one capacitor element or component thereof. In particular, at least one sensor may include one or more sensors configured to measure at least one of a DC voltage, DC current, ripple voltage, and a maximum temperature of the at least one capacitor element or its housing, which may also be represented as a hot spot. In the case of measuring the temperature of the at least one capacitor element housing, the processing unit may be configured to estimate the hot spot temperature inside the at least one capacitor element housing based on the measured temperature of the housing. For example, the temperature sensor may be a thermocouple mechanically or adhesively coupled to the capacitor element housing.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the electrical system includes at least one first sensor and at least one other sensor, the at least one first sensor being configured to measure the electrical condition of the capacitor element and / or the operation of the electrical system, and the at least one other sensor being configured to measure the temperature of the capacitor element. Alternatively or supplementarily, the at least one sensor preferably includes one or more sensors configured to measure one or more of ambient humidity, ambient temperature, mechanical shock (such as vibration and mechanical impact), and one or more gaseous substances. Therefore, the environmental parameters can be selected from ambient humidity, ambient temperature, vibration, and one or more gaseous substances.

[0019] In particular, one or more gaseous substances may be selected from those that can be generated during a pyrolysis event of one or more components of the capacitor element. A pyrolysis event is an example of a failure condition of the capacitor element, which may pose a potential risk of damaging the electrical system. The gaseous substance measurement result can also be expressed as a pollution measurement result, by means of which the contamination of the electrical system with respect to potentially harmful gaseous substances can be determined. As mentioned above, the capacitor element may be a film capacitor comprising a polymer film or another capacitor containing a polymer component that can pyrolyze under excessively high temperatures within the capacitor element housing. Due to the pyrolysis event, one or more flammable gaseous substances may be generated. For example, the polymer may include or may be polypropylene (PP), which can decompose into propylene, methane, propane, etc. Alternatively or supplemented, the polymer film may comprise one or more of polyethylene terephthalate polyester (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or be made thereof. In the event of a leak in the housing, the decomposition gases may escape from the housing and, if a certain concentration is reached in the environment, may cause an explosion. Based on gas measurements, concentrations can be monitored, and warnings or alarms can be generated when the concentration level approaches or reaches the low flammability level (LFL).

[0020] The following are particularly preferred aspects in relation to the features and embodiments described above:

[0021] Aspect 1: An electrical system comprising:

[0022] At least one capacitor element,

[0023] At least one sensor is configured to measure at least one parameter selected from device parameters (D) and environmental parameters (E), and

[0024] A processing unit is configured to process the at least one parameter and evaluate the capacitor element information (CEI) of the at least one capacitor element based on the at least one parameter.

[0025] The capacitor element information includes one or more selected from capacitance loss, tangent variation, stress, remaining life, and fault condition.

[0026] Aspect 2: The electrical system according to aspect 1, wherein the electrical system includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure a plurality of parameters selected from device parameters and environmental parameters.

[0027] Aspect 3: The electrical system according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more sensors configured to measure the electrical condition of the operation of the capacitor element and / or the electrical system.

[0028] Aspect 4: An electrical system according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more sensors configured to measure at least one of DC voltage, DC current, ripple voltage and temperature at a hot spot of the at least one capacitor element or the housing of the at least one capacitor element.

[0029] Aspect 5: The electrical system according to aspect 4, wherein the processing unit is configured to estimate the highest temperature inside the housing of the at least one capacitor element based on a measured temperature of the housing.

[0030] Aspect 6: An electrical system according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the at least one sensor comprises one or more sensors configured to measure ambient humidity, ambient temperature, vibration, or one or more gaseous substances.

[0031] Aspect 7: The electrical system according to aspect 6, wherein the one or more gaseous substances are selected from gaseous substances that may be generated during a pyrolysis event of one or more components of the capacitor element.

[0032] Aspect 8: An electrical system according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the capacitor element is a thin-film capacitor comprising a polymer film.

[0033] Aspect 9: An electrical system according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the processing unit includes a microprocessor and / or a personal computer.

[0034] Aspect 10: A method for monitoring at least one capacitor element in an electrical system according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein:

[0035] - Measure at least one parameter, said at least one parameter being selected from device parameters and environmental parameters.

[0036] - Capacitor element information for evaluating the at least one capacitor element based on the at least one parameter.

[0037] Aspect 11: The method according to aspect 10, wherein, during the operation of the electrical system and / or the at least one capacitor element, the at least one parameter is measured in real time, and the capacitor element information is evaluated in real time.

[0038] Aspect 12: The method according to aspect 10 or 11, wherein information is provided to the operator of the electrical system based on the capacitor element information. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Other advantages, advantageous embodiments, and other developments are revealed through the embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0040] Figure 1A and 1B A schematic diagram is shown of an electrical system having at least one capacitor element according to several embodiments, and a method for monitoring at least one capacitor element in the electrical system.

[0041] In the embodiments and accompanying drawings, elements that are the same, similar, or have the same function have the same reference numerals in each case. The dimensions of the elements shown and their proportions to each other should not be considered to be to scale, but rather individual elements, such as layers, components, devices, and areas, may be exaggerated to better illustrate them and / or aid in their understanding.

[0042] Figure 1A An electrical system 100 including at least one capacitor element 10 is shown. Figure 1B A method for monitoring at least one capacitor element 10 in an electrical system is shown. The following description also applies. Figure 1A and 1B . Detailed Implementation

[0043] Although the electrical system 100 is shown as having exactly one capacitor element 10, the electrical system 100 may also include multiple capacitor elements 10. Therefore, the following description of the features and embodiments of the illustrated capacitor element 10 can be similarly applied to any of the multiple capacitor elements in the electrical system 100. For example, the electrical system 100 may include or be a converter as explained in the overview section. Alternatively, the electrical system may be any other electrical device including at least one capacitor element. At least one capacitor element 10 may be, for example, a film capacitor comprising one or more electrode layers spaced apart by a polymeric material (e.g., including or made of polypropylene). Other types of capacitor elements are also possible as alternatives or additions.

[0044] The electrical system 100 also includes a system compartment 90 in which at least one capacitor element 10 is located. Specifically, the system compartment 90 can house other or even all electrical and electronic components of the electrical system 100, and can also be referred to as a room. Furthermore, the electrical system includes one or more sensors 20, 20', 20''. This is only by way of example. Figure 1AThree sensors 20, 20', and 20'' are shown. However, it is possible to have fewer or more than three sensors. Depending on the corresponding type of sensor, each of the sensors 20, 20', and 20''' is configured to, for example, […]. Figure 1B In step 1 of the method shown, at least one parameter selected from device parameter D and environmental parameter E is measured.

[0045] In addition, in such Figure 1B In step 2 of the method shown, the electrical system 100 includes a processing unit 30 configured to process one or more parameters D, E and to evaluate the capacitor element information CEI of at least one capacitor element 10 based on at least one parameter D, E. Although in Figure 1A The processing unit 30 is shown outside the system room 90, but the processing unit 30 or at least a portion thereof may also be located inside the system room 90.

[0046] By performing one or more evaluations, the processing unit 30 can provide capacitor element information (CEI), wherein the capacitor element information (CEI) includes one or more selected from capacitance loss, tangent variation, stress, remaining life, and failure condition, as explained in the overview section.

[0047] During the operation of electrical system 100 and / or at least one capacitor element 10, at least one parameter D and E can be measured in real time in method step 1, and capacitor element information CEI can be evaluated in real time in method step 2. Furthermore, based on the capacitor element information CEI, information can be provided to the operator of the electrical system, which... Figure 1B This is indicated as method step 3. Method step 3 may also include monitoring and / or storing CEI and / or one or more measured parameters D and E. Preferably, as explained in the overview section, at least one parameter D and E is continuously measured during operation of the electrical system. Furthermore, at least one parameter D and E may also be continuously measured when the electrical system 100 or at least a portion thereof is shut off or even de-energized.

[0048] Sensors 20, 20', 20" can be configured to measure one or more of the following device parameters D and environmental parameters E: such as Figure 1A As shown in the exemplary sensor 20, the electrical operating condition of the capacitor element 10 and / or the electrical system 100 or its components can be measured. This electrical condition may be an operating voltage preferably applied to at least one capacitor element 10, and / or an operating current preferably applied to at least one capacitor element 10. Furthermore, the temperature of at least one capacitor element 10 can be measured, such as... Figure 1AAn exemplary sensor 20' is shown. Therefore, the electrical system 100 may include one or more sensors configured to measure at least one of DC voltage, DC current, ripple voltage, and temperature at a hot spot on at least one capacitor element or at least one capacitor element housing. In the case of measuring the temperature of at least one capacitor element housing, as shown... Figure 1A As shown, the processing unit 30 can be configured to estimate the highest temperature inside the housing of at least one capacitor element based on the measured temperature of the housing, which can also be represented by the temperature at a hot spot. For example, the temperature sensor 20' can be a thermocouple fixed to the housing of the capacitor element 10.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 1A As shown in the exemplary sensor 20”, it can measure one or more of ambient humidity, ambient temperature, mechanical shock (such as vibration and mechanical impact), and one or more gaseous substances. Therefore, the environmental parameter E can be selected from, for example, ambient humidity, ambient temperature, vibration, and one or more gaseous substances.

[0050] Preferred aspects of the electrical system and method are described below, including preferred safety devices and methods for operating the electrical system and capacitor elements. All aspects can be implemented individually or combined with each other, thereby allowing multiple safety devices and methods to be integrated into the electrical system 100. Furthermore, all aspects can be combined with the features and embodiments described in the overview section.

[0051] Aspect 1: The method utilizes data from one or more different sensors, such as those selected from sensors measuring temperature, electrical characteristics, vibration, humidity, pollution, etc., which can be acquired as real-time data from the system chamber and / or capacitors. This data is processed by a processing unit, i.e., a microprocessor or personal computer, and various calculations are performed based on algorithms, mathematical formulas, and models, such as capacitance loss evolution, tangential change evolution, stress, remaining life, etc. Real-time monitoring and inspection of operating conditions ensure that the capacitors meet specifications and that corrective actions can be taken if necessary.

[0052] Aspect 2: Related to and in addition to Aspect 1, the method also includes real-time sensing of the electrical condition of the electrical system and / or capacitors, as well as the temperature on or inside the casing or at the capacitor hotspots. Using the acquired data, the system can calculate instantaneous stress, and using the stress history, can calculate the relationship between previous capacitance loss and time, and estimate the relationship between future capacitance loss and time. The remaining lifetime can also be calculated using this data.

[0053] Aspect 3: Related to and in addition to Aspect 1, the method also includes real-time sensing of one or more parameters of the surrounding environment of the electrical system and / or system room and / or capacitors, such as humidity, temperature, vibration, or one or more of these. Using the acquired data, conditions can be examined to identify situations that may negatively impact the electrical system and / or capacitors. The algorithm can receive this data as input, interpret it, and generate alerts with detailed information based on certain thresholds and rules.

[0054] Aspect 4: Related to and in addition to Aspect 1, the method also includes real-time sensing of contamination in the system room, enabling the detection of gas leaks from one or more of the capacitors. Changes in contamination may be caused by an increase in the concentration of gases produced during the pyrolysis of polymers such as polypropylene in the capacitor elements, which may produce one or more gaseous substances, such as propylene, methane, propane, etc., which are flammable even at low concentrations. These values ​​can be stored and can be used for monitoring and / or for generating alarms when gas levels approach the low flammability level (LFL).

[0055] Aspect 5: The electrical system includes a set of different types of sensors, such as sensors for measuring temperature, electrical parameters, vibration, humidity, pollution, etc., which can acquire real-time data from the system compartment and / or capacitors. This data is processed by a processing unit, i.e., a microprocessor or personal computer, and various calculations are performed based on algorithms, mathematical formulas, and models, such as capacitor loss evolution, tangential change evolution, stress, remaining life, etc. Real-time monitoring and inspection of operating conditions ensure that capacitors meet specifications and that corrective actions can be taken if necessary.

[0056] Aspect 6: Related to and in addition to Aspect 5, the electrical system includes at least one sensor for real-time measurement of the electrical condition of the electrical system and / or capacitors, and at least one sensor for real-time measurement of the temperature on or within the housing or at a hot spot on the capacitor. The acquired data is received by a processing unit, and based on algorithms and mathematical formulas and models, capacitor losses, tangent changes, stress, and / or remaining life are calculated. These values ​​can be stored and can be used for monitoring and / or as a basis for decision-making.

[0057] Aspect 7: Related to and in addition to Aspect 5, the electrical system includes at least one sensor that measures in real time the environmental conditions of the operating environment of the electrical system and / or the system room and / or the capacitors, such as room temperature, humidity, vibration, etc. The acquired data is received by a processing unit, and based on algorithms and thresholds, the environmental conditions are examined to determine whether the capacitors are meeting the requirements and to identify any aging that has occurred. These values ​​can be stored and can be used for monitoring and / or as a basis for decision-making.

[0058] Aspect 8: Related to and in addition to Aspect 5, the electrical system includes at least one sensor for real-time measurement of contamination in the system room. The acquired data is received by a processing unit, and based on algorithms and thresholds, gas levels are checked to determine if a capacitor is leaking gas through its casing, indicating an internal malfunction. These values ​​are stored and can be used for monitoring and / or as an alarm if the gas level approaches the low flammability level (LFL).

[0059] Based on aspects 2 and 6, unexpected high stress can be detected and measured with high precision. This can be interpreted as capacitance loss and shortened lifespan. If the expected lifespan is less than the specified lifespan, early intervention can be taken to replace or redesign the capacitor. If the stress is lower than expected, alternative capacitors can be used, reducing cost and space requirements.

[0060] According to aspects 3 and 7, early detection of the condition and its impact on the capacitor allows for measures to be taken and further damage to be avoided.

[0061] According to aspects 4 and 8, gas leaks can be detected before they reach low flammability level (LFL) concentrations, thus preventing catastrophic situations.

[0062] According to aspects 2 and 6, electrical and / or thermal measurements are monitored and used to continuously calculate stress, capacitance loss, and lifespan, as well as their changes, in real time. Until now, capacitance and loss factors could be measured manually during maintenance.

[0063] According to aspects 3 and 7, environmental conditions can be detected sufficiently early, allowing measures to be taken to change them or mitigate their effects. Until now, these conditions have generally not been able to be monitored in real time, for example in converters, and therefore, their impact on capacitors cannot be considered.

[0064] According to aspects 4 and 8, gas leaks can be detected before they reach low flammability levels in the system room, thus preventing catastrophic situations. To date, harmful gases have not been contained and have caused explosions.

[0065] As alternatives to or supplements to the features described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments shown in the drawings may also include other features described in the overview section of the specification. Furthermore, the features and embodiments in the drawings may be combined with each other, even if such combinations are not explicitly described.

[0066] This invention is not limited to the description based on exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention includes any new features and any combination of features, particularly any combination of features in the claims, even if the feature or combination itself is not expressly specified in the claims or exemplary embodiments.

[0067] Reference List

[0068] Method steps 1, 2, 3

[0069] 10 Capacitor Components

[0070] 20, 20', 20” sensors

[0071] 30 processing units

[0072] 100 Electrical Systems

[0073] D,E parameters

[0074] CEI capacitor component information.

Claims

1. An electrical system (100), comprising: At least one capacitor element (10); At least one sensor (20, 20', 20"), said sensor being configured to measure at least one parameter selected from device parameters and environmental parameters, and Processing unit (30), the processing unit is configured to process the at least one parameter and evaluate the capacitor element information of the at least one capacitor element based on the at least one parameter; The capacitor element information includes one or more selected from capacitance loss, tangent variation, stress, remaining life, and failure condition. The at least one sensor includes one or more sensors configured to measure one or more gaseous substances selected from gaseous substances that can be generated during pyrolysis events of one or more components of the capacitor element.

2. The electrical system according to claim 1, wherein, The capacitor element is a thin-film capacitor comprising a polymer film.

3. The electrical system according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more gaseous substances include one or more flammable gaseous substances produced due to the decomposition of the polymer membrane.

4. The electrical system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The electrical system includes multiple sensors configured to measure a range of parameters selected from device parameters and environmental parameters.

5. The electrical system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The at least one sensor includes one or more sensors configured to measure the electrical condition of the operation of the capacitor element and / or the electrical system.

6. The electrical system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The at least one sensor includes one or more sensors configured to measure at least one of DC voltage, DC current, ripple voltage, and temperature at a hot spot on the at least one capacitor element or the housing of the at least one capacitor element.

7. The electrical system according to claim 6, wherein, The processing unit is configured to estimate the highest temperature inside the casing of the at least one capacitor element based on a measured temperature of the casing of the at least one capacitor element.

8. The electrical system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The at least one sensor includes one or more sensors configured to measure ambient humidity, ambient temperature, and vibration.

9. The electrical system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The processing unit includes a microprocessor and / or a personal computer.

10. A method for monitoring at least one capacitor element (10) in an electrical system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Measure at least one parameter, which is selected from device parameters and environmental parameters; Capacitor element information for evaluating the at least one capacitor element based on the at least one parameter.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, During the operation of the electrical system and / or the at least one capacitor element, the at least one parameter is measured in real time, and the capacitor element information is evaluated in real time.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, Information is provided to the operator of the electrical system based on the capacitor element information.

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