About Supercapacitors
Advantages and disadvantages: Batteries vs. Ultracapacitors/Supercapacitors
Conclusion of Batteries vs. Ultracapacitors:
- The most significant disadvantage of Ultracapacitors in compare to batteries is the low energy densitiy.
- The most significant disadvantage of Batteries in compare to Ultracapacitors is the reduced cycle life, the reduced lifetime and the handling.
Note: Depending on battery type, the following specifications can differ.
| Requirement | Battery | Ultracapacitor |
| Cycle life | Low | High |
| Lifetime | Middle | High |
| Time to charge | Slow | Very fast |
| Shelf life | Not recommendet, note handling and care | Uncomplicated |
| Stored energy (energy density) | High | Low |
| Power output (power density) | Middle | High |
| Low temperatures | Output power high reduced (ESR much higher) Capacity reduced strongly |
Output power reduced after longer using in low temperatures (ESR increases) |
| High temperatures | Reduced cycle life | Capacity decreases when longer used at high temperature |
| Deep discharge | Capacity decreases, safety risk possible | uncomplicated down to 0V, no negative effects |
| Transport/International shipping | Observe regulations | Uncomplicated (no chemical energy storage) |