Description:
Researchers have created a hybrid device that combines the advantages of both batteries and supercapacitors.
Background
Supercapacitors and batteries are the two leading forms of electrochemical energy storage. Both have unique advantages and can be applied to various applications. Supercapacitors can be charged quickly resulting in very high power density and can cycle hundreds of thousands of times with lifetimes measured in decades. However, these devices suffer from low energy density meaning their charge doesn’t last as long when compared to a battery. On the other hand, batteries can maintain a longer charge but have a lower power output and lose their ability to retain energy over a lifetime of several years due to material damage. While supercapacitors and batteries have traditionally been viewed as two different options in terms of energy storage, there would be an advantage to combining the two and creating a superior and improved option.
Description
Researchers have created a hybrid device that combines the advantages of both batteries and supercapacitors. This device offers high performance in a small package, with 2-3 times the energy density of supercapacitors and 3-4 times the power density of batteries. It has an increased stability and a decreased weight improving the life cycle to about 10-15 years. This technology offers the first supercapacitor/battery hybrid system delivering higher power and a longer lifetime at lower cost.
Advantages
Battery-level energy density with capacitor-level durability and power density
Non-flammable
Low-cost, abundant organic materials
Aqueous electrolyte with high cell voltage
Constant power output (flat voltage plateau)
Applications
Renewable grids, grid services, micro grids
Electric cars/buses, engine start-stop, regenerative braking
Electric forklifts, energy recovery, heavy equipment
For more information, see patent # 9,728,344 and #10,770,699.