Supercapacitors, also called ultracapacitors and electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), are advanced capacitors with significantly higher capacitance than traditional capacitors. These high-capacity energy storage and delivery devices provide fast and reliable bursts of power, making them ideal for a variety of applications.
From wind turbines and public transportation to hybrid and electric vehicles, and including consumer electronics, energy-harvesting devices, and industrial equipment, supercapacitors have become a key component in revolutionizing energy storage and extending battery life. Offering millions of duty cycles even under demanding conditions, supercapacitors provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional batteries or auxiliary power supplies.
“Supercapacitors are a fundamental component for energy storage and for extending battery life in renewable energy systems,” says Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community and Social Media at element14. “We are eager to learn about the innovative approaches our members are taking in using supercapacitors and to conduct trials to experiment with their unique energy storage capabilities.”
Entries for the "Experiments with Supercapacitors" design competition open on July 17. Selected participants will be announced on July 19, and the experiment period will officially begin on July 20. Winners will be announced in September 2023.
All finalists will receive an Adafruit Circuit Playground Express Advanced Pack valued at $100. Second place will receive a Multicomp Pro digital oscilloscope valued at $700, along with a GoPro HERO10 Black action camera valued at $350. The grand prize winner will receive a Multicomp Pro spectrum analyzer and DC electronic load, valued at $1,144 and $400, respectively.
