On the performance of commercial supercapacitors as storage devices for renewable electrical energy sources

Abstract

Abstract. Supercapacitor cells and modules with an electrical capacitance reaching thousands of Farads become attractive components for energy storage, in regenerative energy based power electrical systems. The characteristics of high energy supercapacitor cells and modules produced at this time by leading manufacturers in the field are presented for organic and aqueous electrolyte technology. A stored specific energy as high as 5-6 Wh/kg is exhibited by commercial supercapacitor cells and modules, a value lower than the corresponding one for lead -acid batteries (30 -35 Wh/kg). The specific power of supercapacitors reaching 3-5 kW/kg is higher than that of batteries (limited to 1kW/kg) and this feature is required in applications. The advantages and disadvantages of supercapacitors in comparison with batteries, a traditional way of electrical energy storage are discussed.

A Three-Phase Microgenerator Based Solution for Power Harvesting Applications

“…However the voltage drop in each diode (0,7V) is responsible for a lower value that expected by equation (2). This value is according with simulation results in figure 5.…”

“…Since low power consumption is involved, it's possible the use of Schottky diodes. With voltage drops of 0,32V at 1A according with datasheet, a increasing in voltage Vout becomes possible to approach equation (2).…”

“…Two main storage components can be used: batteries and supercapacitors. The use of supercapacitors has the following advantages: life cycle, which is at least two orders of higher magnitude than the corresponding one of lead acid batteries; long operation time in a temperature range of -40ºC to +60ºC; higher power capability; able to deliver for short time electrical energy at significantly higher power than batteries [2]. Energy harvesting is an area of rapid development, and the day approaches when component life rather than battery charge will limit low-duty-cycle sensor systems.…”

A Piezoelectric Device for Measurement and Power Harvesting Applications

“…Two main storage solutions can be used: batteries and supercapacitors. The use of supercapacitors has the following advantages: life cycle, which is at least two orders of magnitude higher than the corresponding one of lead acid batteries; long operation time in a temperature range of -40ºC to +60ºC; higher power capability; ability to deliver for short time intervals electrical energy at significantly higher power than batteries [2]. Batteries are usually indicated for long time supplies (energy) without requisites of instantaneous high consumption (power).…”

Characterization of Solar Panels for Powering Sensor Applications

“…The use of supercapacitors has the following advantages: life cycle, with at least two order of magnitude higher than the corresponding one of lead acid batteries; long operation time in a temperature range of -40ºC to +60ºC; higher power capability; able to deliver for short time electrical energy at significantly higher power than batteries [3].…”