Since supercapacitors use two layers of dielectric material between their electrodes, they are called “double layer” capacitors. But the whole name was harder to remember, so the name “supercapacitor” was used, and the name has stuck to this day.
When looking at the circuit board of an electronic device, you will find a capacitor electronic component. The main function of the capacitor is to store electricity and release it to the circuits on the circuit board when needed.
In the application of capacitors, two metal plates need to be used to store charges. These metal plates are called electrodes, and an electric field can be maintained between them. They exist as electronic devices for storing power. When the components need to be charged, the capacitor will provide charges as needed.
Capacitors differ from ordinary batteries in terms of energy density, and they also have higher electrical energy storage capabilities compared to standard capacitors. A supercapacitor cannot store as much power as a battery, but it can store more power than a capacitor.
Supercapacitors vs Capacitors
Following are the main differences between supercapacitors and standard capacitors.
1) Material
Standard capacitors are made of a dielectric material, such as polymer film, aluminum oxide, or ceramic, that separates each metal plate (or electrode) from the other. A capacitor does not use all three dielectric materials at the same time, but only one of them.
Supercapacitors use different dielectric materials. Activated carbon is what forms the barrier between the two electrodes of the supercapacitor.
2) Charging time
The best thing about supercapacitors is that they can provide the fastest energy charge and discharge times. Standard capacitors take about 10 seconds to charge and discharge, but supercapacitors can often perform these operations much faster without the risk of damaging circuit components.
3) Energy storage
Supercapacitors store more energy than capacitors and have higher energy density. Typical supercapacitors can store 10 to 100 times more power per unit volume than ordinary capacitors.
This is why supercapacitors are used in so many mobile electronic and mechanical devices, including cars, cell phones, buses, printers, and more.
The use of supercapacitors saves a lot of time spent charging electronic devices, so they rely on supercapacitors to release energy over a longer period of time. In this way, the charging time can be reduced.
4) Cost
Supercapacitors are more expensive than ordinary batteries. The reason can be seen from the above three points, which can be understood as paying for better results. Supercapacitors can store more energy and last longer. There is no need to replace supercapacitors frequently.
5) Power consumption
One advantage of capacitors compared to supercapacitors is that they don’t dissipate as much power, and supercapacitors handle more power, which means you need to provide more energy to the electronics and appliances that use them.
Of course, if you care more about energy saving and saving electricity bills when you use it, then you can choose a device with a capacitor, which is more ideal.
The storage products carried by electronic devices may be capacitors, supercapacitors and batteries, all of which can work together. Supercapacitors offer high energy density and fast charge and discharge times. However, capacitors are necessary to regulate charging and stabilize voltage, especially in batteries and electronics in cars.
