Is Charging a 2.7V, 350F Supercapacitor with a 10mA, 20V Source Safe?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the safety of charging a Maxwell supercapacitor rated at 2.7V and 350F using a 20V power source with a current limit of 10mA. It is established that charging at 0.001mA would take an impractical 29.9 years to reach full charge, while the actual current of 10mA is more reasonable but still requires caution. Suggestions include using a resistor voltage divider to reduce the voltage to a safe level, such as 2.2V, and considering a zener diode for voltage regulation. The importance of clarifying the intended charging current is emphasized throughout the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of supercapacitor specifications (e.g., Maxwell supercapacitor 2.7V, 350F)
  • Basic knowledge of electrical concepts (e.g., voltage, current, resistance)
  • Familiarity with voltage divider circuits
  • Knowledge of zener diodes and their applications in voltage regulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and implementation of resistor voltage dividers for safe charging
  • Learn about the characteristics and limitations of zener diodes in voltage regulation
  • Explore the effects of leakage current in supercapacitors and their charging behavior
  • Investigate safe charging practices for supercapacitors and related components
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, engineers working with energy storage solutions, and anyone involved in the safe handling and charging of supercapacitors.

cosmos1226
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I have supercapcitor 2.7V, 350F. I want to charge it by 0.001mA 20V power source. Is it safe?
Thanks you!.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
hi
welcome to the forums

well its a 2.7V capacitor ... what do you think ?

Dave
 
cosmos1226 said:
I have supercapcitor 2.7V, 350F. I want to charge it by 0.001mA 20V power source. Is it safe?
Thanks you!.
What arrangement will you use to charge it? How do you know your power supply is limited to 0.001mA?
 
A 350 F capacitor charged to 2.7 volt contains a charge of 2.7*350 = 945 Coulombs.
If the current is really limited to 0.001mA, it would take 945 / (10^-6) = 9.45 * 10^8 seconds = 29.9 years for it to charge to 2.7 volts, so you'd be ok for a long time.
In practice there will be a lot more leakage current than 0.001 mA and the capacitor would never charge to 2.7 volt.
 
I'm experimenting power supply 20V for charging 27V capacitor 350F. Supercapacitor is loaded, but does know it safe?
 
cosmos1226 said:
I'm experimenting power supply 20V for charging 27V capacitor 350F. Supercapacitor is loaded, but does know it safe?
Is the capacitor rating 2.7V or 27V?
 
NascentOxygen said:
Is the capacitor rating 2.7V or 27V?
. maxwell supercapacitor 2.7V 350F. thánks you
 
You could connect a pair of resistors as a potential divider to reduce your 20V down to a safe level, say 2.2V. Then the supercapacitor could be safely left to charge unsupervised, and you'd know that in a few decades it should be almost fully charged to 2.2V

You haven't answered why you want to charge it at 0.001mA, and I presume that is not the figure you intend.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: cosmos1226
NascentOxygen said:
You could connect a pair of resistors as a potential divider to reduce your 20V down to a safe level, say 2.2V. Then the supercapacitor could be safely left to charge unsupervised, and you'd know that in a few decades it should be almost fully charged to 2.2V

You haven't answered why you want to charge it at 0.001mA, and I presume that is not the figure you intend.
Although the voltage is 20V but only amperage 10mV (it as a leak). so, I do not want to pass any parts change any power consuming.
 
  • #10
cosmos1226 said:
amperage 10mV
10mV is not a current

In theory, you could connect a parallel 2.2V zener diode to limit the capacitor's voltage at 2.2V, but a practical zener would have significant leakage current below a capacitor voltage of 2.2V.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: cosmos1226
  • #11
NascentOxygen said:
10mV is not a current

In theory, you could connect a parallel 2.2V zener diode to limit the capacitor's voltage at 2.2V, but a practical zener would have significant leakage current below a capacitor voltage of 2.2V.
I'm sorry, 10mA
 
  • #12
cosmos1226 said:
I'm sorry, 10mA
So it's 10mA now!

Up until this, it has been one-thousandth of a milliamp (0.001mA).

Are you sure it's 10mA??
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
12K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
4K