Here are the major types: Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor: This is the common type of electrolytic capacitor and this type has large capacitance. For its construction, it is available in both radial and axial configurations. These circuits are commonly used in power supply circuits and those application that desire higher capacitances.
Electrolytic capacitors are suitable for storing a large amount of energy at low frequencies. In the electrical and electronics world, capacitors are widely used to store and release energy. They are also used to maintain or regulate the voltage level to achieve maximum efficiency. They are being used in numerous applications at the current time.
These are available for momentary-duty AC applications like motor starting and voltage-reversing applications, but the high DF of aluminum electrolytic capacitors – from 2% to 150% – causes excess heating and short life in most AC applications.
One common electrolyte used in these capacitors is boric acid or ammonium borate in water. These capacitors are utilized for various purposes especially to store large charges. Electrolytic capacitors are generally made up of aluminum or tantalum material.
Screw terminal capacitors with rubber vent plugs are the most susceptible type. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors have longer operating lives at lower ambient temperatures; so, put the capacitors at the coolest place on the board.
Electrolytic capacitors have a larger capacitance than most other capacitor types, typically 1µF to 47mF. There is a special type of electrolytic capacitor, called a double-layer capacitor or a supercapacitor, whose capacitance can reach thousands of farads.