12V 19Ah Motorcycle Battery to Supercapacitor

In summary, in order to replace the 12V 19Ah Lead Acid Battery in an H-D '09 FXDF, a 12V capacitor with a capacitance of 5,700F would be needed. However, traditional capacitors may not provide a consistent voltage as it is discharged, making it potentially impractical and costly to use a supercapacitor as a replacement for the battery.
  • #1
Ciphex
1
0
The Lead Acid Battery in my H-D '09 FXDF is rated 12V at 19Ah. If I understand the math correctly, I would need a 12V capacitor rated to 5,700F. Is this accurate?

1 F = 1 As/V
1 Ah = 3600 As
19Ah x (3600As/1Ah) = 68,400As
(68,400As/12V) x (1F/[1As/V]) = 5,700 F

As I understand it, traditional capacitors are unable to deliver a consistent voltage as it's discharged or used. Is this also true of Supercapacitors? If my math is correct, this would seem like a futile endeavor considering the necessary capacitance and associated cost over traditional 12V 19Ah Lead Acid Battery.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
68,400As = 68,400 Coulombs. The battery should be able to deliver this charge with an output voltage change of about 1 volt. Thus the supercapacitor should be

68,400 Coulombs/1 volt = 68,400 Farads.

Bob S
 
  • #3


I would like to clarify a few points about the conversion from a 12V 19Ah lead acid battery to a supercapacitor. The calculation for the necessary capacitance is accurate, but it is important to note that supercapacitors are not a direct replacement for batteries.

Supercapacitors have a much lower energy density compared to batteries, which means they can store less energy per unit mass or volume. This means that while a supercapacitor may have the same voltage as a lead acid battery, it will not be able to provide the same amount of energy.

Additionally, supercapacitors have a different discharge profile compared to batteries. While batteries provide a relatively constant voltage as they discharge, supercapacitors have a linear discharge curve, meaning that the voltage will decrease as the energy is used up. This can be managed with additional circuitry, but it is important to consider when designing a system.

In terms of cost, supercapacitors are generally more expensive than lead acid batteries for the same amount of energy storage. However, they have a longer lifespan and can handle more charge/discharge cycles, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

Ultimately, the decision to switch from a lead acid battery to a supercapacitor would depend on the specific needs and requirements of the motorcycle. While supercapacitors may offer some advantages, they may not be suitable for all applications. It is important to carefully consider all factors before making a decision.
 
  • #4


I can confirm that your calculations for the necessary capacitance are accurate. However, it is important to note that while traditional capacitors may not be able to deliver a consistent voltage, supercapacitors are designed specifically to address this issue. Supercapacitors have a much higher energy density and can deliver a more consistent voltage over time. They also have a longer lifespan compared to traditional capacitors. The decision to switch from a lead acid battery to a supercapacitor would ultimately depend on the specific needs and requirements of your motorcycle, as well as the cost-benefit analysis of the switch. It is important to carefully consider all factors before making any changes to your vehicle's power source.
 

1. What is a supercapacitor and how does it differ from a traditional battery?

A supercapacitor is an energy storage device that can store and release energy much faster than a traditional battery. It also has a longer lifespan and is able to withstand more charge and discharge cycles compared to a battery.

2. What are the benefits of using a supercapacitor in a motorcycle battery?

Supercapacitors have a high power density, meaning they can provide a large amount of energy in a short amount of time. This is beneficial for starting a motorcycle, as it requires a short burst of high energy. Supercapacitors also have a longer lifespan and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them more reliable for use in motorcycles.

3. How does converting a motorcycle battery to a supercapacitor affect its performance?

Converting a motorcycle battery to a supercapacitor can improve its performance in terms of power output and lifespan. Supercapacitors have a higher energy density, meaning they can store more energy in a smaller space. This can also result in a lighter and more compact battery, which can be beneficial for motorcycle riders.

4. Is it possible to directly replace a traditional battery with a supercapacitor in a motorcycle?

No, it is not possible to directly replace a traditional battery with a supercapacitor. The two serve different purposes and have different charging and discharging mechanisms. However, a traditional battery can be converted to a supercapacitor, which can then be used in the motorcycle.

5. What are the potential drawbacks of using a supercapacitor in a motorcycle battery?

One potential drawback is the higher cost of supercapacitors compared to traditional batteries. Additionally, supercapacitors have a lower energy density compared to batteries, meaning they may not be able to store as much energy. This can result in a shorter range for the motorcycle. However, the benefits of a longer lifespan and improved performance may outweigh these drawbacks for some riders.

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