Can a Supercapacitor Replace Your Vehicle's Battery?

AI Thread Summary
Supercapacitors can potentially replace vehicle batteries due to their ability to discharge energy gradually and charge quickly, making them suitable for applications like electric buses. However, they have limitations in maintaining a constant voltage, unlike chemical batteries that provide stable output throughout their charge. Graphene, while an excellent conductor, cannot function as a power supply on its own but can be utilized in developing advanced battery technologies as an anode or cathode. The discussion emphasizes the need to clarify project goals to explore appropriate energy solutions effectively. Exploring alternatives like supercapacitors and graphene may lead to innovative approaches in energy storage and supply.
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?
 
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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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