Electrical Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC) supercapacitors have shown significant growth in the last several years. This paper by Vishay presents 3.0V EDLC supercapacitors and its benefits to achieve a longer useful life and also meet the stronger and more harsh requirements with regard to high humidity and low losses over a wide temperature range.
This paper was presented by Gerald Tatschl, Vishay BCcomponents Austria at the 4th PCNS 10-14th September 2023, Sønderborg, Denmark as paper No.1.3.
Introduction
A select number of manufacturers have expanded their offerings to include 3.0 V EDLC products, augmenting their existing 2.7 V lines. These newly developed products are designed to have a more extensive lifespan, incorporating innovative features that can withstand harsh conditions like high humidity, while maintaining minimal losses across a broad temperature range.
Electrical Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC) have been experiencing remarkable growth over the past few years. These devices serve as high-capacity rechargeable energy storage systems, distinguished by their ability for swift charge and discharge cycles. Owing to their exceptionally low internal resistance (ESR), EDLCs are capable of delivering and absorbing high peak power, making them perfectly suited for booster applications. They also maintain consistent capacity and storage capabilities across varying temperatures.
One of the standout features of EDLC products is their potential to undergo limitless charge and discharge cycles, extending the operational lifespan of battery systems. In some instances, they can reduce or even eliminate the need for a battery in certain applications, making them a valuable asset in backup, energy harvesting, and self-powered IoT applications.
EDLCs have a competitive edge over batteries, as they can be charged considerably quicker. The introduction of 3 V EDLC products has further enhanced this advantage as they can store 20 % more energy than a comparable 2.7 V system of the same dimensions. Furthermore, the larger voltage window of these 3 V components can prolong device life, save space, and reduce costs on the PCB.
The current line of 3 V Vishay products has been designed to directly replace the older 2.7 V versions, promising a two to three times longer service life.
General EDLC Supercapacitor Technology Overview
Vishay’s Electrical Double Layer Capacitors (EDLC) are quintessential supercapacitors featuring a radial design. Even in this configuration, an EDLC is capable of achieving extremely high capacitance values, reaching up to 100 F. This technology bridges the gap between traditional aluminum electrolytic capacitors and rechargeable batteries.
Supercapacitors can store considerably more energy than conventional aluminum capacitors. Another key advantage is their ability to produce high discharge currents, which sets them apart from rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, EDLCs can withstand an impressive number of charge and discharge cycles, exceeding one million in count.
EDLCs have found applications in various areas such as backup power supplies, burst power support, and energy harvesting storage devices. They are also utilized in micro-UPS systems and energy recovery mechanisms.
Specific Characteristics
The basic structure of an EDLC consists of two activated carbon electrodes separated by a paper and an electrolyte that electrically connects the two electrodes (Fig. 1).
EDLC capacitors use the so-called double layer effect to store electrical energy. A double layer capacitor has no solid dielectric separating the different potentials. The electrodes are polarized by an applied voltage.
This causes the ions in the electrolyte to form electrical double layers on the two electrode surfaces. This physical effect enables the high energy density of this capacitor technology.
As a result of self-discharge, the charge retention of EDLC products is limited to a few weeks.
The useful lifetime of an EDLC is temperature- and voltage-dependent. A 10 °K lower temperature will double the lifetime, and a 200 mV lower applied voltage will double the lifetime as well. This principle is derived from the well- known Arrhenius law on the acceleration of reaction processes. To ensure full performance even in elevated humidity conditions, Vishay has developed rugged EDLC versions such as the 225 EDLC-R and 235 EDLC-HVR.
If more than two capacitors are in a series connection, it is necessary to balance the products. Otherwise a voltage mismatch may occur.
The advantage of “ruggedized” EDLC variants is that these products can withstand harsher environmental conditions than standard versions.
Tests have shown that these “ruggedized” variants achieve service lives of 1500 hours and even longer at 85 °C / 85 % RH (source: Vishay, 235 EDLC-HVR datasheet). According to the IEC standard, only 1000 hours are required for these components.[1]
Calculation
In general, the lifetime of EDLCs is limited by degradation of electrical parameters. Usually no sudden failures occur. The lifetime of EDLC systems is mainly dependent on the application’s ambient temperature and applied voltage.
An Arrhenius approximation is sufficient to describe lifetime t within limits. Commonly used acceleration factors / activation energies for EDLC models are:
Temperature T: activation energy ∆T = 10K
Voltage U: activation energy ∆U = 0.2V
rule: Temperature reduction of ∆T = 10K (°C) doubles the lifetime
rule: Voltage reduction of ∆U = 0.2 V doubles the lifetime
3V EDLC Supercapacitors Life-time Benefits
Supercapacitor service life can be determined using the multiplier diagram (Fig. 3), which shows the service life expectancy as a function of the ambient temperature and the applied voltage.
The specified rated voltage UR can be applied in the temperature range -40 °C to +65 °C. From +65 °C to +85 °C, a linear voltage derating needs to be applied.
The following diagram, Fig. 4, shows the safe operating range for the working voltage of 2.7 V and 3.0 V systems.
Arrhenius modeling is standard for lifetime (t) prediction. The acceleration factors and the simplified formula for multiplier calculation are commonly used in the industry.
The typical degradation behavior of the supercapacitor resembles that of an exponential decay. The better part of the performance change occurs during the initial use of the capacitor, then levels off over time. The most dramatic effect of the life degradation is on the internal resistance of the device (compared to initial value). This effect is taken into account in the product specifications, therefor the specified maximum initial ESR is higher than the typical value.
Summary & Conclusion
This article looks into the enhanced longevity offered by 3 V products compared to the standard 2.7 V counterparts. The optimization of service life is a key advantage of 3 V EDLC systems. It demonstrates that supercapacitors can potentially exceed a 10-year lifespan, even at temperatures above room level. Future trends indicate a focus on developing products that can withstand higher application temperatures and come in more compact case sizes.
References
- Vishay BCcomponents Austria, dokuwiki
- Supercapacitors, G.Q. Max Lu et. al; Wiley-CHV; ISBN 978-3-527-32883-3; 2013;p483ff
- Vishay BCcomponents Austria, dokuwiki
