Can a Supercapacitor Replace Your Vehicle's Battery?

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SUMMARY

Supercapacitors can serve as a power supply alternative to traditional batteries in vehicles, particularly due to their ability to discharge energy gradually and charge rapidly. While graphene is an excellent conductor, it cannot function as a standalone power supply; instead, it is utilized in developing battery technologies as a cathode or anode. The discussion emphasizes that supercapacitors can be beneficial in specific applications, such as electric buses, where quick charging and gradual energy discharge are advantageous. Understanding the limitations and applications of supercapacitors is crucial for DIY projects involving alternative energy solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of supercapacitor technology and its applications
  • Knowledge of graphene properties and its role in battery technology
  • Familiarity with electrical concepts such as voltage and capacitance (Q=CV)
  • Basic principles of energy storage systems in vehicles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific applications of supercapacitors in electric vehicles
  • Explore the role of graphene in advanced battery technologies
  • Learn about the differences between supercapacitors and traditional batteries
  • Investigate the design and implementation of energy storage systems for DIY projects
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for electrical engineers, DIY enthusiasts exploring alternative energy solutions, and anyone interested in the future of energy storage technologies in vehicles.

Shadow-Shocker
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Can a supercapacitor be a power supply?
 
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Shadow-Shocker said:
Can a supercapacitor be a power supply?
What do you think and why?
 
phinds said:
What do you think and why?

I'm sorry I forgot to specify that I am looking for alternative solutions for batteries for a DIY project, I was looking at graphene and it has a really high conductivity around (3-8*10^5) S/m, but a power supply needs voltage, and it looks like most people are using graphene as superconductors. The question should be, can grapheme be a power supply?
 
Shadow-Shocker said:
The question should be, can grapheme be a power supply?
Can a copper wire be a power supply?
 
phinds said:
Can a copper wire be a power supply?
No, so I guess I am looking in the wrong direction.
 
Shadow-Shocker said:
No, so I guess I am looking in the wrong direction.
Yes, I think so. Graphene, as you seem to now realize, is just a material. It is a terrifically good conductor, but a conductor alone is just a conductor, not a source of energy.

You still have not been clear about what it is you are actually trying to do so It's impossible to give you any advice.
 
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If you want a near constant voltage from your supply, a Capacitor, however super, will have its limitations. Q=CV, remember. On the other hand, a chemical battery can maintain its output volts for most of its charge and there are some pretty damn good batteries available these days.
 
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while graphene by itself cannot be a power supply it has been used as both a cathode or an anode it developing battery technologies, so to say that you are on the wrong track would not be 100% correct. Never stop the search just modify your approach!
 
Fun fact, you can install supercapacitors in place of your battery in a vehicle. Trivia question for you, why is that possible and under what circumstances would it be beneficial?
 
  • #10
Boolean Boogey said:
Fun fact, you can install supercapacitors in place of your battery in a vehicle. Trivia question for you, why is that possible and under what circumstances would it be beneficial?
Supercapacitors can discharge energy gradually and not all at once like regular capacitors, and they can be charged much quicker than batteries. Certain aspects can apply to electric busses.
 
  • #11
Boolean Boogey said:
Fun fact, you can install supercapacitors in place of your battery in a vehicle. Trivia question for you, why is that possible and under what circumstances would it be beneficial?
 

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