Ultracapacitors provide energy storage and peak power solutions in applications where batteries alone cannot do the complete job. Unlike batteries, these high-tech devices are capable of charging and discharging at identical rates. Moreover, they are so reliable that they are typically specified for up to 1,000,000 charge/discharge cycles even in the most extreme environments, with a lifespan of up to 15 years. This means that ultracapacitors have extremely low maintenance costs. These attributes together make ultracapacitors the ideal choice for many of today’s energy storage, power back-up and pulse-power applications. They can capture and store braking energy in trains, trams, and hybrid automobiles. They can deliver peak power for drive systems and actuators in a variety of vehicles and assure round-the-clock power availability for wind turbine pitch systems. Ultracapacitors back-up and augment primary energy sources for wireless network equipment and smooth energy throughput from renewable energy storage systems (as in solar energy applications). They can efficiently supply energy during peak power demand conditions for power generators, reducing strain on the primary power source.
Other Industry Terms Synonymous with “Ultracapacitor”: Double Layer Capacitor, Supercapacitor, Electric Double Layer Capacitor, and Energy Storage Capacitor.
Key characteristics to be considered when choosing the appropriate ultracapacitor include working voltage (VDC), capacitance value (µF or F), terminal type, and Package Type.
