Capacitors are passive electronic components that store and release electrical energy in a circuit. They consist of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material (dielectric). Capacitors are widely used in various applications, including filtering, energy storage, signal coupling, and timing circuits.
Types of Capacitors:
1. Fan Capacitors:
These are specifically designed for electric fans and other single-phase motors. They provide the necessary phase shift to start and run the motor efficiently. Fan capacitors are typically non-polarized and come in fixed capacitance values.
2. AC Capacitors:
AC capacitors are used in alternating current circuits, such as in HVAC systems, motors, and power supplies. They are designed to handle high voltage AC and are often used for power factor correction, motor starting, and running applications.
3. Other Types of Capacitors:
Electrolytic Capacitors: Polarized capacitors with high capacitance, used in power supply filtering.
Ceramic Capacitors: Small, non-polarized capacitors with low capacitance, used in high-frequency applications.
Film Capacitors: Made of plastic film, used for stability and low losses in circuits.
Supercapacitors: Store large amounts of energy, used in energy backup and high-power applications.
Capacitors play a critical role in modern electronics, ensuring efficient energy management and stable circuit operation.