Why Are Supercaps Not Suitable For Use In Ac Circuits

Jun. 25, 2023

Supercapacitors, as a new type of energy storage device positioned between traditional capacitors and batteries, utilize a double-layer structure composed of porous electrodes made of activated carbon and an electrolyte to achieve ultra-high capacitance.


Supercapacitors have a high capacitance value. Compared to traditional capacitors, the capacitance value of supercapacitors can reach levels ranging from thousands of farads to tens of thousands of farads. Additionally, supercapacitors have higher charge density and greater energy density.


Supercapacitors can store a large amount of charge during the charging process and can rapidly release a substantial amount of charge in a short period when energy is needed. This feature provides stable power supply for electronic devices. Compared to traditional batteries, supercapacitors can operate for a longer time and can withstand higher operating temperatures.


Typically, supercapacitors are suitable for use in direct current (DC) circuits but not in alternating current (AC) circuits primarily because the working principles of supercapacitors are incompatible with AC signals.


Why Are Supercaps Not Suitable For Use In Ac Circuits


Although supercapacitors have a large capacitance value, their voltage stability is relatively poor, and AC signals are prone to distortion due to voltage variations. When an AC signal passes through a supercapacitor, charges flow in and out of the capacitor, meaning that the supercapacitor cannot maintain a high charge or voltage state because charges and voltage will continuously change with the varying AC signal.


In AC circuits, voltage frequently changes, which can cause the parameters of supercapacitors to become ineffective, leading to unstable circuit operation. Furthermore, compared to other capacitors, supercapacitors have higher internal resistance. In high-frequency AC circuits, their internal resistance and inductance can significantly impact circuit performance, resulting in distortion.


On the other hand, in direct current circuits, the charge and voltage are stable, which is why supercapacitors are suitable for use in DC circuits but not in AC circuits.


This article is provided by JYH HSU(JEC) Electronics Ltd, a Chinese manufacturer of of capacitors and resistors.


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