Ultracapacitors are similar to batteries because they provide power and energy sources for various applications. However, the difference between the two is that ultracapacitors hold more storage, and they operate under higher power. Ultracapacitors function as energy storage by using positive and negative charges. Applications for ultracapacitors include robotic motion control systems. Others include ultracapacitors for electric vehicles and for fuel cells used in hybrid vehicles.

Specifications to consider when supplying industrial ultracapacitors include working DC current, rated and leakage current, specific power and energy levels, equivalent series resistance and capacitance range and tolerance. Working DC voltage measures the voltage the ultracapacitor supplies regardless of temperature. Rated current analyzes the maximum current across temperature intervals, while leakage current measures current flow from one conductor to another. Specific energy depends on the amount of energy stored in an ultracapacitor, while specific power analyzes the timeliness of delivering energy. Equivalent series resistance focuses on an ultracapacitor's resistor qualities when charging or discharging. Capacitance range measures the ability of ultracapacitors to store energy, while capacitance tolerance represents the total percentage of that capacitance.

1. Ensure that ultracapacitors fit in with industrial applications.

2. Buy ultracapacitors with high-performance capabilities.

3. Take advantage of ultracapacitor maintenance services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find ultracapacitor suppliers that specialize in your industry

Buy ultracapacitors of the right sizes and specifications that meet the needs of related applications.

I recommend: Ultracapacitors from Masline Electronics are compatible with industries such as automotive and telecommunications. Marsh Electronics distributes capacitors and ultracapacitors to industries that specialize in self-service banking, medical, transportation, food and beverage and instrumentation services. Kemet Electronics produces ultracapacitors for the computers, telecommunications, military electronics, automotive electronics and consumer electronics industries.

Pick energy efficient ultracapacitors that bring high performance

Shop for commercial or industrial ultracapacitors that are environmentally friendly.

I recommend: Ultracapacitor distributor Evans Capacitor Company features high-energy products and accessories. EEMB manufactures environmentally friendly, lightweight ultracapacitors. Maxwell Technologies produces ultracapacitors that are environmentally safe, durable and operable, even in harsh conditions. Ultracapacitor prices are also competitive.

Have maintenance and emergency services on standby for ultracapacitors

Choose ultracapacitor manufacturers or ultracapacitor distributors who provide additional services that keep the equipment running smoothly.

I recommend: Independent Electric Machinery offers maintenance, repair and rebuilding services for ultracapacitors, capacitors and other equipment. Horner Electric provides 24-hour emergency service for capacitors and ultracapacitors in the electrical and mechanical industries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ultracapacitors come in trays or rails, tape reels, bulk packs, stick magazines and shipping tubes. They can also be mounted into place with mounting brackets, or bolted into place with screws.
• •  Calculations of capacitance are expressed as C = K A/D. 'K' represents the function of dielectric, or insulating material. 'A' represents the area of electrodes within an ultracapacitor device, divided by the electrodes' separation ('D'). The resulting capacitance unit is expressed in microfarads, where the value is shown in millions.