Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC), Supercapacitors

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LK055474A Ohmite	MAXCAP 470MF 5.5V	10
LM055105A Ohmite	MAXCAP 1F 5.5V	300
LM055474A Ohmite	DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITOR	175
LJ055104AE Ohmite	DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITOR W/EPOXY	5
LV110474A Ohmite	DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITOR	93
LT055104AE Ohmite	DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITOR W/EPOXY	34
LC055225A Ohmite	MAXCAP 2.2F 5.5V	200
LT055223A Ohmite	MAXCAP 22MF 5.5V	62
LK055105A Ohmite	MAXCAP 1F 5.5V	3
LC055474A Ohmite	MAXCAP 470MF 5.5V	2349
LF055104A Ohmite	DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITOR	224
LJ055335A Ohmite	MAXCAP 3.3F 5.5V	50
LP055104AE Ohmite	DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITOR W/EPOXY	57
LX055474A Ohmite	DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITOR	145
LM035104A Ohmite	DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITOR	20
LT055104A Ohmite	MAXCAP 100MF 5.5V	5087
LC055105A Ohmite	DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITOR	1430
LM055224A Ohmite	MAXCAP 220MF 5.5V	476
LJ055224A Ohmite	MAXCAP 220MF 5.5V	10670
LC055104A Ohmite	DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITOR	675

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.