Mr Tim Kruse from the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark has been awarded the EPCIA Student Award at the 5th Passive Components Networking Symposium (PCNS) on 12th September 2025 in Sevilla, Spain, for his outstanding PhD thesis work.
The EPCIA Student Award Committee assessed the interesting publication of Mr Kruse as an outstanding academic work in the area of electronic passive components. The award is granted with €5,000. The EPCIA award was granted to Mr Kruse for his thesis which addresses the development of a polymer aluminium electrolytic capacitor with a rated voltage of 1000V.
This innovation is a big step towards the goal of reaching a rated voltage of 750V. It describes the high voltage formation of the dielectric oxide, as well as discusses how to build a practical device including packaging. Lastly, it compares and classifies this technology with existing ones such as foil capacitors and liquid electrolyte capacitors. It demonstrates the highest rated voltage for a polymer aluminium electrolytic capacitor ever demonstrated while maintaining reasonable capacitance and Equivalent series resistance (ESR) values.
This innovation not only addresses a critical industry need for capacitor reliability but also promises substantial benefits to consumers, which can contribute to the safe and reliable operation of renewable energy and sustainable transport field such as wind power, railway traction, electric vehicles, etc.
“The work of Mr Kruse especially contributes to the improvement of reliability of capacitors in power electronic converter by increasing the voltage resistivity of aluminium electrolytic capacitors”, according to the Student Award Committee of EPCIA. The Committee encourages students across all European universities who work in this area to apply for the EPCIA Students Award.
For all future applicants: EPCIA is granting the Student Award annually and is looking forward to receiving more theses or papers related to passive components. All details related to the EPCIA Student Award can be found on the EPCIA website.
