A supercapacitor, also known as an electric double-layer capacitor, is a long-lasting energy storage device that charges and discharges energy faster than a battery.
While batteries store energy through chemical reactions, standard capacitors store energy via an electric field between two electrodes—similar to static electricity built up by rubbing a balloon on your hair. However, the storage capacity of standard capacitors is very low because they store energy in the form of electrons, which repel each other.
Supercapacitors, on the other hand, do not store electrons directly. Instead, they store positively and negatively charged ions and use a liquid electrolyte to facilitate the energy flow. Unlike batteries, no chemical reactions are involved, which significantly reduces the charging and discharging time. This makes supercapacitors ideal for automotive applications that require rapid energy release or storage, such as energy recovery during regenerative braking.
Supercapacitors also have a much longer lifecycle compared to batteries, as they do not undergo physical or chemical changes that accelerate degradation. While typical batteries can endure 2,000 to 3,000 charge cycles, supercapacitors can withstand over 1 million cycles. Supercapacitors are more stable than batteries, do not contain heavy metals, and operate within a temperature range of -40°C to 65°C.
Replacing the 12V Battery
Supercapacitors lack the storage capacity to serve as propulsion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), but they are an attractive alternative to 12V lead-acid batteries that power low-voltage systems such as dashboards, entertainment systems, LED lighting, and sensors.
Although EVs typically use DC-DC converters to step down power from the main battery to supply low-voltage components, traditional 12V lead-acid batteries are still commonly used for providing redundant power. Some EV models use 12V or 14V lithium-ion batteries instead of lead-acid batteries due to the higher energy density of lithium-ion technology, which allows for a smaller size while providing the same power. However, lithium-ion batteries are more expensive and cannot deliver the same surge current as lead-acid batteries.
This is where supercapacitors come in. A 12V supercapacitor weighs about 60% less than a comparable lead-acid battery and offers a solution that helps original equipment manufacturers optimize mass and provide the required surge current, while also reducing costs due to their long lifespan. They also help address vehicle reliability issues, as battery failures are often listed as the primary cause of roadside breakdowns.
Dongguan Zhixu Electronics (JYH HSU Electronics) is a company specializing in the development and sales of various electronic components. Their supercapacitors are known for their reliable performance. We welcome inquiries and cooperation.
Post time: Jun-06-2024