Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC), Supercapacitors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
FM0J473ZF KEMET	CAP 47MF -20% +80% 6.5V T/H	886
FE0H473ZF KEMET	CAP 47MF -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	365
FC0H474ZFTBR32-SS KEMET	CAP 470MF -20% +80% 5.5V SMD	7386
FS1B105ZF KEMET	CAP 1F -20% +80% 12V T/H	49
FYH0H105ZF KEMET	CAP 1F -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	74
FGH0H105ZF KEMET	CAP 1F -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	759
FG0H473ZF KEMET	CAP 47MF -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	818
FS1B505ZF KEMET	CAP 5F -20% +80% 12V T/H	4
FCS0V104ZFTBR24 KEMET	CAP 100MF -20% +80% 3.5V SMD	687
FR0H473ZF KEMET	CAP 47MF -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	299
FA0H474ZF KEMET	CAP 470MF -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	45
FG0H224ZF KEMET	CAP 220MF -20% +80% 5.5V T/H	198
S301RE657R2R7W KEMET	CAP 650F 0% 2.7V CHAS MT	0
S01PM5805K016A KEMET	CAP 58F 10% 16V CHASSIS MT	0
S301RS208R2R7W KEMET	CAP 2000F 0% 2.7V CHASSIS MOUNT	0
S301RP128R2R7W KEMET	CAP 1200F 0% 2.7V CHASSIS MOUNT	0
S301RV308R2R7W KEMET	CAP 3000F 0% 2.7V CHASSIS MOUNT	0
S501DC107W2R7A KEMET	CAP 100F 0% +20% 2.7V T/H	0
S501LF357V2R7A KEMET	CAP 350F -5% +10% 2.7V T/H	0

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.