The EDLC is a type of capacitor that is designed to have a high capacitance density, low ESR, and high power density. It is capable of storing a large amount of energy, making it ideal for use in high-power applications. The Supercapacitor technology has been around for over 30 years, yet it has only recently become a significant player in the world of energy storage.
Unlike traditional capacitors, EDLCs store energy in an electrostatic field rather than a dielectric material. This unique feature allows them to charge and discharge much faster than other types of capacitors, making them ideal for applications that require high power delivery. Supercapacitors come in different sizes, from small surface-mount devices to large modules, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
One of the significant benefits of Supercapacitors is that they have an extremely long cycle life, up to 500,000 cycles or more. They are also highly reliable and can operate over a wide temperature range. These features make them ideal for use in applications such as energy harvesting, power backup, and hybrid electric vehicles.
Supercapacitors are also highly efficient, allowing for lower system operating costs. In hybrid electric vehicles, for example, Supercapacitors can store the energy generated during regenerative braking and reuse it to provide additional power, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Another advantage of Supercapacitors is their ability to operate under some of the harshest conditions. Unlike batteries, which can suffer from temperature and humidity, Supercapacitors are designed to operate effectively in extreme environments.
Supercapacitors have many other applications, including renewable energy storage, pulse power systems, and industrial power management. The combination of their high energy density, fast charge, and discharge capabilities, and high reliability makes them ideal for any application that requires high power delivery and low maintenance.
In conclusion, Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC) or Supercapacitors are an exciting alternative to traditional capacitors and batteries. With their high energy density, fast charge and discharge capabilities, and reliability, they are an ideal solution for many applications, including energy harvesting, power backup, and hybrid electric vehicles. With Supercapacitors now readily available at DigiKey, it is an excellent time to explore their possibilities for your next project.