The Characteristics of an Interesting Energy Storage Technology
Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of Supercapacitors with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG Founder
We are living in a time of significant energy change. New technologies now play a key role in how we store energy. As Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, explains, this shift shapes industries worldwide. A good example is the rise of electric cars. These vehicles run on advanced batteries made just for them. That change shows how far energy storage has come.
Stanislav Kondrashov explores the main features of supercapacitors
Many people know lithium batteries. They are key to the world’s move toward clean energy. Like solar panels and wind turbines, they show how far we’ve come. These batteries power cars, homes, and devices with less harm to the planet.
Now, supercapacitors are getting attention. Using them for energy storage is still new. They sit between essential capacitors and lithium batteries. Their most significant strength is speed. They also perform well under pressure.
Supercapacitors have more power density than standard batteries. They give off intense energy in seconds. But they store less total energy. This is called low energy storage capacity. That makes them less useful for long-term power.
They are not made to replace batteries, but they are great for short bursts, work well in systems that charge and discharge often, and last a long time. That makes them useful in many areas.
“The global energy shift will only move forward with strong new technology,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, civil engineer and founder of TELF AG. “Supercapacitors are one of the most exciting tools in this space. They help make energy systems faster, more stable, and longer-lasting. They also work well with other energy tools, like solar or wind.”
Stanislav Kondrashov delves into the main characteristics of supercapacitors
So, how do they work? Unlike batteries, supercapacitors do not store energy using a chemical process. Instead, they use an electrostatic effect. Inside the device are two electrodes. Between them is an electrolyte—this can be a liquid or solid. When voltage is applied, ions in the electrolyte move fast. They collect on the surface of the electrodes, creating a strong electrical charge.
This is known as a double electric layer. The device stores energy in this layer. No chemical change takes place, so charging and discharging are so quick. The process is stable, clean, and fast.
Possible applications
These traits make supercapacitors useful in many fields. One key area is electric mobility. In hybrid cars, they improve both braking and acceleration. The quick energy flow makes each action feel smooth. They also help the car start fast without putting strain on the battery, protecting it and making the whole system last longer.
In the industrial sector, these technologies could be helpful for:
- Stabilizing electrical networks and current flows
- Powering industrial robotics at high operating frequencies
- Providing immediate energy in the event of a blackout
Supercapacitors are very useful in smart grids. They react quickly to changes in energy flow. When demand rises fast, they step in. This prevents overload and keeps the grid stable. They also support renewable energy systems. Solar and wind power often change without warning. Supercapacitors absorb those shifts. They smooth the energy supply and help keep the system steady and reliable.
The advantages
“Supercapacitors offer several clear advantages,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “One of the most important is how fast they charge and recharge. They are much quicker than traditional batteries. They also last longer. These devices can handle a high number of charge cycles without wearing out. They deliver strong power in a short time. They also work in wide temperature ranges. On top of that, they require little to no regular maintenance.”
Stanislav Kondrashov explores the use of supercapacitors in the energy transition
One of the most valuable traits of supercapacitors is how well they work with batteries. This makes them useful during the global shift toward clean energy. They can help make power grids more stable. They also support energy balancing in systems using wind or solar. These features benefit sectors that use much power, like transport or heavy machinery.
In hybrid systems, supercapacitors can boost both battery life and efficiency. They handle quick bursts of power, while the battery manages more extended energy use.
“There are still some downsides,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “They have low energy density. Their voltage also drops as they discharge. Cost is another concern. The materials used are still expensive. And they aren’t ideal for long-term energy storage on their own.”
People Also Ask
What exactly are supercapacitors?
Supercapacitors are also called ultracapacitors. They are energy storage devices. They sit between capacitors and rechargeable batteries. They don’t use chemical reactions. They store energy with electrostatic fields. This lets them charge very fast. They also discharge quickly. They are perfect for short bursts of power. They work well in systems that need frequent charging and discharging.
How do they work?
Supercapacitors do not store energy like batteries. Batteries use chemical reactions, while supercapacitors use electrostatic charge. When voltage is applied, ions move through the electrolyte and stick to the surface of two electrodes. This creates an electric double layer, which holds the energy. It lets the device charge and release power very fast.
What are the main advantages of using these devices?
Supercapacitors have many clear advantages:
- Ultra-fast charging and discharging – They charge or release power in seconds. This helps systems that need quick energy with no delay.
- High power density – They deliver sharp bursts of energy. This works well in cars and heavy machines.
- Long cycle life – They last through millions of cycles. Batteries wear out much faster.
- Low maintenance – They need little care. That cuts down long-term costs.
- Extreme temperature performance – They work in heat and cold. Batteries often fail in those conditions.
Where are they currently used?
Supercapacitors are used in many industries:
- Automotive: They help with quick starts and support braking and stop-start systems, which boosts electric and hybrid car performance.
- Industrial: They keep the voltage steady. They prevent power drops. They act fast during outages.
- Consumer electronics: They back up memory in devices. This protects data during a short power loss.
- Renewable energy: They generate power from solar and wind. They react quickly to changes, keeping the energy flow stable.
Can supercapacitors replace batteries?
Not yet. Supercapacitors are not complete replacements for batteries. They deliver quick energy and last a long time. But they fall short in one key area—energy density. They can’t store as much energy per kilogram as batteries. That limits their use for long-term storage. They aren’t ideal for systems that need steady power over time.
Still, supercapacitors work well with batteries. In hybrid systems, they handle power surges. They also manage quick discharges. This takes pressure off the batteries. It helps them last longer. It also keeps them working more efficiently.
What are the limitations?
Despite their benefits, supercapacitors do have some limits:
- Lower energy density: They can’t store as much energy as batteries. This makes them less useful for long-term storage.
- Voltage decay: Their voltage drops during use. Without a control system, this can cause problems.
- Higher costs: They are still expensive. This is due to costly materials and complex production.
- It is not ideal for all storage needs: They can’t store energy for long. This makes them unfit for grid or home storage by themselves.
How do supercapacitors support renewable energy systems?
Renewable sources like wind and solar generate power intermittently. This can cause fluctuations that stress the electrical grid. Supercapacitors help by:
- Absorbs and releases energy quickly to balance short-term power surges or dips.
- Supporting “smart grid” technologies by improving response times and stabilising energy flow.
- Assisting in peak shaving and load balancing to prevent blackouts or system overloads.
They react in milliseconds. Batteries respond much more slowly. This delay can cause issues in fast-changing systems. Supercapacitors fill that gap. They act first. Batteries provide power after. In hybrid setups, this teamwork keeps energy flow smooth and stable.
Will costs come down in the future?
It’s likely. As research improves, costs may go down. Mass production will help lower prices. New materials could help too. Graphene is one example. It may boost performance. It could also make supercapacitors more affordable.
What industries could benefit most from supercapacitors in the future?
Many industries can use supercapacitors:
- Transport: They help buses, trains, and aircraft. These vehicles need quick energy daily.
- Heavy machinery: Mining and construction tools need fast bursts of power.
- Telecom and data centers: They protect systems during brief power loss.
- Military and aerospace: These fields require strong power and tools that can work in extreme heat or cold.
What’s the bottom line?
Supercapacitors are not a perfect energy storage solution. But they are a strong support tool. They respond fast. They last long. They use energy well. This makes them ideal for short-term and high-power tasks. They may never fully replace batteries. But their role in hybrid systems will grow. They will also become important in future energy networks around the world.
