Supercapacitors vs. Batteries: A Comparison in Energy Storage
In this blog, we''ll explore how supercapacitors compare to conventional battery technologies and examine the key factors driving interest in supercapacitors for modern
Supercapacitors feature unique characteristics that set them apart from traditional batteries in energy storage applications. Unlike batteries, which store energy through chemical reactions, supercapacitors store energy electrostatically, enabling rapid charge/discharge cycles.
The capex costs of supercapacitors are contrasted with the costs of lithium ion batteries and the costs of flywheels in the chart below. A typical supercapacitor stores about 15 seconds of energy, for a capex cost of $10,000/kWh, but just $40/kW of power.
In 2023, the average supercapacitor energy storage system ranged between $3,000-$5,000 per kWh – significantly higher than traditional batteries. But why does this gap exist, and when will it close? Unlike batteries that rely on chemical reactions, supercapacitors store energy electrostatically.
Energy Density: Supercapacitors store much less energy per unit volume or weight compared to conventional batteries. In EVs, energy density translates to mileage per charge. Thus, batteries are more suitable in applications requiring large energy storage.
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