What’s the Difference?
‘‘
What’s the Difference
between Batteries and
Capacitors?
BATTERIES AND CAPACITORS seem similar as
they both store and release electrical
energy. However, there are crucial dif-
ferences between them that impact their
potential applications due to how they
function differently.
SUPERCAPACITORS
A capacitor consists of two or more
conductive plates separated by a dielec-
tric. When an electric current enters the
capacitor, the dielectric stops the flow
and a charge builds up and is stored in
an electric field between the plates. Each
capacitor is designed to have a particular
capacitance (energy storage). When a
capacitor is connected to an external
circuit, a current will rapidly discharge.
BATTERIES
Different battery types are distin-
guished by their chemical makeup. The
chemical unit, called the cell, contains
three main parts: a positive terminal
called the cathode, negative terminal
called the anode, and the electrolyte.
The battery charges and discharges
PERFORMANCE
COMPARISON
Function
Charge time
Cycle life
Cell voltage
Specific energy (Wh/kg)
Specific power (W/kg)
Cost per Wh
Service life (in vehicle)
Charge temperature
Discharge temperature
Source: Battery University
92
The potential energy in a capacitor
is stored in an electric field, where a
battery stores its potential energy in a chemical
form. The technology for chemical storage
’’
currently yields greater energy densities than
capacitors.
BATTERIES
Pros Cons
Power Density Limited Cycle Life
Storage Capability Voltage And Current Limitations
Better Leakage Current Than Capacitors Long Charging Times
Constant Voltage That Can Be Turned Off And On More Temperature Sensitive Than Capacitors
CAPACITORS
Pros Cons
Long Cycle Life Low Specific Energy
Three packs of supercapacitors (in the blue package), consisting
High Load Currents Linear Discharge Voltage
of six D-size cells. Each 18 cells total were able to provide and Short Charging Times High Self-Discharge
store the same amount of electrical energy as the smaller pack of Excellent Temperature Performance High Cost Per Watt
six AA-size TLI 1550 Li-ion rechargeable batteries.
This table compares the pros and cons of batteries and capacitors
through a chemical reaction that gen-
erates a voltage. The battery is able to DIFFERENCES battery because of this energy stor-
produce a constant stream of electric- While batteries and capacitors age method. But unlike a battery
ity that can be turned on and off. In have similarities, there are sev- that can turn its electrical current
rechargeable batteries, the chemical eral key differences. The potential on and off, once a capacitor is con-
energy that is converted into electricity energy in a capacitor is stored in nected to an outside circuit it will
can be reversed using an outside electri- an electric field, where a battery discharge as fast as it can until all
cal energy to restore the charge. stores its potential energy in a the charge is drained.
chemical form. The technology for While other differences exist,
chemical storage currently yields batteries and capacitors do have
BETWEEN SUPERCAPACITOR greater energy densities (capable some overlapping applications.
AND LI-ION of storing more energy per weight) However, in general batteries
Lithium-ion than capacitors. However, when provide higher energy density for
Supercapacitor
(general)
a battery is discharging it can be storage, while capacitors have
1–10 seconds 10–60 minutes
slower than a capacitor’s ability more rapid charge and discharge
1 million or 30,000h 500 and higher
to discharge because there is a capabilities (greater power densi-
2.3 to 2.75V 3.6 to 3.7V
latency associated with the chemi- ty). The demand for fast portable
5 (typical) 100–200
cal reaction to transfer the chemi- power has researchers trying to
Up to 10,000 1,000 to 3,000
cal energy into electrical energy. A increase charging and discharging
$20 (typical) $0.50-$1.00 (large system)
capacitor is storing the electrical times in batteries, while increas-
10 to 15 years 5 to 10 years
energy directly on the plates so ing storage capacity in capaci-
–40 to 65°C (–40 to discharging rate for capacitors are tors. While research continues to
0 to 45°C (32°to 113°F)
149°F) directly related to the conduc- improve batteries and capacitors,
–40 to 65°C (–40 to tion capabilities of the capacitors there are still have distinct char-
–20 to 60°C (–4 to 140°F)
plates. A capacitor is also able to acteristics that make each appli-
149°F)
discharge and charge faster than a cable to individual uses.
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