23. 
INSPECTION AND  MAIN'TEMNCE 
23.3 
Replacing 
Pam 
The inverter consists of  a number of  electronic component 
parts 
such 
as 
semiconductor 
devices. 
Due 
to their 
physical 
properties, 
it 
is  anticipated  that  the  following  component 
patts 
will deteriorate 
with time, 
kadw 
to  troubles  or  hered performance of  the inverter. They  should 
be 
rephced 
at  regular Intervals for  preventive  maintenance. 
(1) 
Cooling  fan 
A  cooling  fan  is used to cool heat generating  parts  such  as  semiconductor  devices  in  the 
main  circuit.  Although  the  service life 
of 
the  bearing  used  in the  cooling fan is, under normal 
operating conditions, 
20,000 
hours,  it  will  vary  in  the  range of 
10,OOO 
to 
35,000 
hours 
depending on  ambient  temperatures. 
Therefore, if  the  system 
is 
continuously  operated,  it is necessary to replace  the  cooling  fan 
assembly  every 
two 
to three  years.  Beside  this  regular replacement, if  abnormal noise  or 
vibration is detecled  during  inspection, the  cooling  fan  assembly  should 
be 
replaced  imme- 
diately. 
A 
large capacity  aluminum electrolytic capacitor for smoothing  the  current is 
used 
in me direct 
current  circuit 
in 
the  main  circuit. 
The 
performance of  the  capacitor 
is 
degraded due to the 
influence of  ripple, etc.  Although  the  service  life 
of 
the  capacitor  varies  depending  on  the  am- 
bient temperatures  and  operating  conditions,  the  capacitor  should  be  replaced  every five 
years  assuming that the  parameter  unit  is used within specified environmental limits. 
Since  the  deterioration of  a  capacitor  accelerates  over  lime,  it  should  be  checked  at  least 
once a year. As  it  approaches  the  end of  service  life, it should be checked  every six  months 
or  at  shorter  intenals.  The  inspection  items  and defects which  require the  capacitor  to be 
replaced  are  summarized below. 
1) 
Case conditions: Expansion 
of 
the  case  at  the  side  and  bottom 
2) 
Sealing conditions: Excessive  curvature  or  cracks 
3) 
Safety valve conditions: Excessive  expansion 
of 
the  valve  or  an  actuated valve 
4) 
Others: 
(2) 
Smoothing 
wpncltor 
Check  for  cracks,  discoloration,  leakage,  or  other  defects.  Measure  the  capacity. 
If 
measured  capacity  is less than 
85% 
of  rated, the capacitor  should 
be 
replaced. 
(3) 
Relays 
Relay  contacts deteriorate with use.  Relays  should  be  replaced  according to the total number 
of 
makebreak operations (service life). 
The following table shows  the  part  replacement intervals. In addition to the parts given in this 
table,  lamps  and  other component  parts  having  shorter  service  life  should  be  inspected  at 
regular intervals. 
(4) 
Replacemsnt 
criterb 
I 
Part 
name 
I 
Typlcal 
nplllcrment 
Intervals 
[ 
Ropl-t 
proodur 
Cooling 
Ian 
Smoothing 
capacitor 
2 
to 
3 
years 
- 
RelaV5 
Replace 
on 
evidence 
of 
deterioration 
5 
years 
-99- 
. 
..