Supercapacitors (Supercaps)
Supercapacitors store electrical energy for short-duration delivery of high power. Bridging time, space, maintenance and environmental effects must be assessed for the specific system and operating conditions. They can contribute to resilient energy systems, particularly for critical infrastructure.
Energy storage for short bursts of high power
But how do supercaps actually work? And what is their potential for the energy transition in Germany?
Depending on their design, supercapacitors store energy mainly through charge separation at electrode surfaces; hybrid types combine different storage principles. They can absorb and deliver high power over short periods. Their energy capacity is generally lower than that of comparable battery storage.
Data centre applications require assessment of the necessary ride-through time, load profile, voltage, temperature and specific datasheet. Cycle life and service life depend on the product and operating conditions. General comparisons with a fixed number of battery cycles or a blanket lifetime promise would therefore be unreliable.
All this makes supercapacitors a promising technology - especially for use in electric vehicles or as energy storage in the data center. They are also more robust than batteries, so they can be used in harsh environments.
If supercapacitors are to be considered as energy storage devices in the data center, extensive expertise in dealing with this technology is required. So far, supercapacitors have mainly been used in the automotive industry and for small electronic devices - but less so in the data center environment.
Supercapacitors: fast energy for short bridging periods
Distinguishing power from energy
Supercapacitors can deliver high power briefly and support frequent charging cycles. Their stored energy is typically lower than that of batteries. Required power and duration must therefore be established first.
Voltage window and converters
Voltage changes with state of charge. Power electronics and the usable voltage window determine the energy actually available. Series-connected cells require monitoring and voltage balancing.
Integration into power systems
Possible duties include bridging short interruptions or handling dynamic loads. Whether batteries can be replaced or supplemented depends on the overall system. Supercapacitors are not a general substitute for long UPS runtimes.
Lifetime and monitoring
Temperature, cell voltage, ageing and self-discharge affect sizing. Protection, maintenance and safe isolation must be considered. Performance and lifetime are assessed using the selected module and operating profile.
Advantage of High Knowledge
High Knowledge has already designed and successfully commissioned a large number of supercaps battery storage systems. Talk to us if you are looking for a reliable and experienced partner to implement your supercapacitor project.