Abracon has introduced a new line of hybrid supercapacitors that merge the quick charge/discharge characteristics of supercapacitors with the long-term energy storage capabilities of lithium-ion batteries. This innovation addresses the growing need for efficient and sustainable power solutions across multiple sectors, particularly as renewable energy sources and electric vehicles advance.
The Evolution of Energy Storage
The energy storage industry has significantly evolved, driven by the demand for better power solutions. Traditional batteries and capacitors each have their strengths and limitations. Batteries offer high energy density but have slower charge/discharge rates and limited cycle life. Capacitors provide rapid power delivery but lack substantial energy storage capacity. This gap necessitated a hybrid solution that offers both high energy and power density.
Introducing Abracon’s AHCR Lithium-Ion Supercapacitors
Abracon’s AHCR lithium-ion supercapacitors (LiC) combine the advantages of lithium-ion batteries and electric double-layer capacitors, making them ideal for applications such as electric vehicles and high-power electronics. These hybrid devices feature a nominal voltage of 4.0 V, capacitance ranging from 10 F to 1200 F, and an impressive cycle life exceeding 50,000 cycles. The energy density is particularly notable, with the 100 F model achieving 33.85 Wh/kg and some variants reaching up to 50.78 Wh/kg.
Performance and Specifications
The AHCR series is designed for high performance, featuring low leakage current as minimal as 1μA for lower capacitance models and a low self-discharge rate of less than 5% after 72 hours. Depending on the capacitance, these supercapacitors can handle continuous currents ranging from 0.04A to 5.0A and peak currents up to 50 times the rated capacitance.
These LiCs are packaged in a radial/can type with through-hole pins for stability, available in various sizes with diameters from 6.3 mm to 18 mm and lengths from 12 mm to 60 mm, allowing for versatile integration into different designs. Abracon suggests that their LiCs are especially suitable for power backup, microenergy storage, and IoT energy harvesting applications.
The Hybrid Advantage
Lithium-ion hybrid supercapacitors represent a technological bridge between traditional supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. These devices typically include a lithium-doped carbon anode and an activated carbon cathode, with an organic electrolyte containing lithium salts. This configuration enables energy storage through electric double-layer capacitance at the cathode and lithium intercalation at the anode, resulting in a device that offers both high power and relatively high energy density.
The unique blend of characteristics allows LiCs to deliver quick power bursts like supercapacitors while maintaining a higher energy density akin to lithium-ion batteries. This balance makes them ideal for high-power and extended energy storage applications, including regenerative braking systems in vehicles, grid stabilization for renewable energy sources, and power backup systems for electronics.
Future of Energy Storage
As the demand for versatile and efficient power solutions continues to grow, hybrid technologies like Abracon’s LiCs are set to play a crucial role across various industries. By combining rapid charge/discharge capabilities with higher energy density, these hybrid supercapacitors open new possibilities for renewable energy integration, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics. Abracon’s AHCR family aims to equip engineers with the innovative solutions needed to meet these evolving energy demands.