Date: 06/05/2012

Hybrid energy storage is half supercapacitor and half lithium battery

Cornell Dubilier Electronics, Inc. (CDE) has unveiled energy storage device which combines both chemical storage as well as capcitance storage. The new devices which are called as half battery an half ultracapacitor (supercapacitor) offers advantages of both battery and ultracapacitors, where the power electronics designer can use them both for instant storage of energy as well as long retention of energy.
The new 'Type CDLC" and 'Type CDHC' are called hybrid ultracapacitors which are available in the capacitance range in excess of 1000 farads.

CDHC Hybrid Capacitors store more than twice the energy of typical ultracapacitors and have high cycle life capability compared to batteries.
Cornell Dubilier explains: hybrid capacitors have more power than lithium ion batteries, but less energy storage. By comparison, ultracapacitors have a cycle life capability of a million cycles or more, batteries have a cycle life of around 1000 cycles and hybrid capacitors, more than 20,000 cycles. While the ultracapacitors have a usual working voltage range of 1.3 to 2.7 V, hybrid capacitors operate from 1.0 to 2.3 V. The higher energy of hybrid capacitors makes them especially suitable for use in LED lighting and emergency pulse applications, e.g. operation of electric doors and windows.

Type CDLC CarbonCap Ultracapacitor Cells are available with axial, M12 threaded mounting studs on both ends as well as additional mounting options. The new snap-in units are available in 2 and 4 pin versions and are well suited for wind turbine blade pitch control.

The large ultracapacitors handle back-up and pulse power applications such as grid stabilization. They also excel in transportation applications like automotive subsystems, rail system power and utility vehicles. They provide extended power allowing critical information and functions to remain available during dips, sags, and outages in the main power source. These cells can relieve batteries of burst power functions, thereby reducing costs and maximizing space and energy efficiency. Units with axial cylindrical design enables low ESR and high peak currents with an electrostatic storage capability that can cycle a million charges and discharges without performance degradation.

Type CDLC can work in parallel with batteries for applications that require both a constant power discharge for continual function and a pulse power for peak loads. The CDLC delivers the peak power thus reducing the peak current from the battery and extending battery life and reducing battery size and cost.

Both series are available now with prices starting at $10.00 each. Full specifications are available at http://www.cde.com.