Applications of super capacitors

This dossier deals with the characterization and applications of supercapacitors subjected to electrical, thermal and dynamic stress, with a particular focus on ground transportation. The various studies carried out show that supercapacitors behave like low-pass filters with a cut-off frequency of the order of 1 Hz, and that their series resistance and capacitance vary as a function of frequency, temperature and the voltage applied to their terminals. Its electrical characteristics are those of a complex system, requiring a redefinition of the notion of capacitance. Examples are given for sizing supercapacitor modules.

Supercapacitors with capacities ranging from 0.1 to 5,000 F are currently available on the market. The operating voltage, which must be limited by the dissociation voltage of the electrochemical system, is 1.2 V for aqueous electrolytes and 2.3 to 2.85 V for organic electrolytes. As a general rule, these components are used between their rated voltage and half this value, for reasons of efficiency of the electronic circuits supplied. More detailed background information can be found in the file .