Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC), Supercapacitors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
SCCT47B356MRB Elco (AVX)	SUPERCAP CYLINDRICAL	1200
DX-5R5V105U Elna America	CAP 1F -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	5867
MAL222051004E3 Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric	CAP ALUM 25F 2.7V 1000H	0
SCCS20B505PRB Elco (AVX)	CAP 5F 0% +100% 2.7V T/H	9054500
SCAP,PBLS-3.33/32.4 Tecate Group	CAP 3.33F -10% +20% 32.4V UCAP	0
TPLC-3R8/60MR10X25 Tecate Group	CAP HYBRID 60F 3.8V T/H	70
FA0H104ZF KEMET	CAP 100MF -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	140
MAL222091008E3 Vishay BC Components/Beyshlag/Draloric	CAPACITOR 50F -20% +50% 2.7V T/H	176
JUK0E186MHD Nichicon	CAP 18F 20% 2.5V THROUGH HOLE	0
SCCS25E705PRB Elco (AVX)	CAPACITOR 7F 0% +100% 3V T/H	0
KR-5R5H334-R PowerStor (Eaton)	CAP 330MF -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	4791
BZ125A105ZLBDY Elco (AVX)	BESTCAP	0
SCMR18L604SSBB0 Elco (AVX)	CAP 600MF -10% +30% 9V T/H	1151260
BZ115A224ZSBAJ Elco (AVX)	BESTCAP	0
SCCU30B306MRB Elco (AVX)	CAP 30F 20% 2.7V T/H	0
DSK-3R3H204T614-H2L Elna America	CAP 200MF -20% +80% 3.3V SMD	0
TPLH-3R0/450SS35X71 Tecate Group	CAP 450F 3V THROUGH HOLE	112
KR-5R5H105-R PowerStor (Eaton)	CAP 1F -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	0
JJL0E857MSED Nichicon	CAP 850F 20% 2.5V CHASSIS MOUNT	0
DGH407Q2R7 Cornell Dubilier Electronics	CAP 400F -10% +30% 2.7V T/H	35150

Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC), Supercapacitors

1. Overview

Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC), commonly referred to as supercapacitors, are electrochemical energy storage devices that bridge the gap between conventional capacitors and batteries. They store energy through electrostatic charge separation at the electrode-electrolyte interface, offering high power density, rapid charge/discharge cycles, and exceptional cycle life (up to 1 million cycles). Their importance in modern technology lies in enabling energy-efficient systems for applications requiring burst power, energy recovery, and backup power solutions.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
EDLC (Carbon-based)	High power density, long cycle life, low energy density	Regenerative braking systems, UPS
Pseudocapacitors	Higher energy density via redox reactions, moderate cycle life	Portable electronics, grid energy storage
Hybrid Supercapacitors	Combines EDLC and battery materials for balanced energy/power density	Electric vehicles, renewable energy systems

3. Structure and Composition

A typical supercapacitor consists of two activated carbon electrodes separated by a porous membrane, immersed in an electrolyte (aqueous, organic, or ionic liquid). The electrodes are coated on current collectors (usually aluminum foil), and the entire assembly is enclosed in a hermetically sealed metal or polymer casing. Advanced designs incorporate graphene or carbon nanotubes to enhance surface area and conductivity.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description & Importance
Capacitance (F)	Determines charge storage capacity (range: 1 F to 5000 F)
Rated Voltage (V)	Limits operational voltage (2.5 V 3.0 V per cell)
Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR)	Affects power delivery efficiency (low ESR enables high pulse currents)
Energy Density (Wh/kg)	Typical range: 5 50 Wh/kg
Power Density (kW/kg)	Typical range: 1 10 kW/kg
Cycle Life	Exceeds 100,000 cycles with minimal degradation

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Smart meters, LED flashlights
Automotive: Start-stop systems, kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS)
Industrial: Robotics, backup power for PLCs
Renewable Energy: Solar/wind energy storage, grid frequency regulation
Transportation: Trams, buses, and hybrid vehicles

6. Leading Manufacturers and Representative Products

Manufacturer	Product Series	Key Specifications
Maxwell Technologies (Tesla)	BoostCap BC Series	10 F 3400 F, 2.7 V, ESR < 0.5 m
Panasonic	Gold Capacitor Series	5 F 1000 F, 3.0 V, 10-year lifespan
Skeleton Technologies	SkelCap Series	1200 F 5000 F, 2.85 V, 40 kW/kg power density
Samsung SDI
Supercapacitor Modules	50 F 2000 F, automotive-grade durability

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations include:

Application Requirements: Prioritize power density for pulse applications or energy density for long-duration backup
Voltage Matching: Use cell-balancing circuits for multi-cell stacks
Operating Environment: Select electrolytes suitable for temperature extremes (e.g., ionic liquids for -40 C to 85 C)
Lifetime Cost: Evaluate cycle life versus initial cost (e.g., EDLCs outlast batteries in cycling applications)

Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Emerging trends include:

Development of graphene-based electrodes to double energy density
Integration with IoT devices for smart energy management
Growth in automotive applications driven by EV and 48V micro-hybrid systems
Adoption of aqueous electrolytes for safer, low-cost energy storage
Hybrid supercapacitor-battery systems for renewable energy grids

The global supercapacitor market is projected to grow at 20% CAGR (2023 2030), driven by demand in transportation and renewable energy sectors.