Capacitors 12. What are capacitors?
Capacitors are another device which stores energy. However, unlike a battery which converts energy from electricity into a chemical, a capacitor can store electricity directly. This makes capacitors very efficient compared to batteries. The main advantage of capacitors is: -They have a very high cycle life >500,000 cycles -They can provide extremely high power discharging and charging -They can be completely discharged without causing damage. The disadvantages are: -Very small energy storage amount. -Intolerant to over voltage. Recent advancements is the super/altra capacitor systems have allowed these units to be integrated into HEV buses. Capacitors are an electrical storage device that offer high power and long life, however, they have very low storage amounts. Their voltage varies dramatically compared to a battery. These are best utilized along side a battery pack. The capacitors provide the initial power for the acceleration and absorb the energy from the regenerative breaking. T
