ultracondenzátor

An ultracondenzátor, also known as a supercapacitor or electrochemical capacitor, is an electrical energy storage device that bridges the gap between conventional capacitors and rechargeable batteries. Unlike traditional capacitors that store energy electrostatically by accumulating charge on plates separated by a dielectric, ultracapacitors utilize an electrochemical double-layer phenomenon. This involves storing charge at the interface between an electrode and an electrolyte.

Ultracapacitors offer significant advantages in terms of power density, meaning they can deliver and absorb large amounts of energy very quickly. This rapid charge and discharge capability makes them ideal for applications requiring bursts of power, such as regenerative braking in vehicles, power backup systems, and hybrid electric vehicles. They also boast a much longer cycle life compared to batteries, enduring hundreds of thousands or even millions of charge-discharge cycles without significant degradation.

However, ultracapacitors typically have lower energy density than batteries. This means they store less energy for a given size or weight. Their voltage per cell is also generally lower, often requiring series connection to achieve higher operating voltages. The materials used in ultracapacitors, such as activated carbon, have a very high surface area, which is crucial for achieving their high capacitance. Research continues to focus on improving energy density and reducing cost while maintaining their inherent advantages.