Hybrid supercapacitors have higher operating voltage (3.8 V maximum) and much higher capacitance and energy density (up to 10 times) than symmetric supercapacitors. They also have much lower self-discharge and standby current. Alternatively, traditional supercapacitors have higher power capability due to lower ESR, the temperature range is broader and they can be discharged to zero volts for safety; hybrid supercapacitors cannot be discharged fully. From a construction standpoint, they are very similar, but a hybrid supercapacitor uses an anode made from graphite laced with lithium and a different electrolyte. The video below explains how they operate.
Hybrid supercapacitors are variants of standard supercapacitors that combine lithium-ion technology and electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) construction for improved performance.
The working voltage is 25% higher and the capacitance is 3 to 9 times higher than symmetric capacitors. They also have much lower leakage current of about 10% of a similar EDLC.
Hybrid supercapacitors have higher operating voltage (3.8 V maximum) and much higher capacitance and energy density (up to 10 times) than symmetric supercapacitors. They also have much lower self-discharge and standby current. Alternatively, traditional supercapacitors have higher power capability due to lower ESR, the temperature range is broader and they can be discharged to zero volts for safety; hybrid supercapacitors cannot be discharged fully. From a construction standpoint, they are very similar, but a hybrid supercapacitor uses an anode made from graphite laced with lithium and a different electrolyte.
The HS / HSL hybrid cylindrical cells offer capacitance values between 5 F and 220 F, while the HSH series offers higher capacitance from 3.0 F to 1400 F. Both products offer a maximum working voltage of 3.8 V, an operating temperature range from -25 °C to +70 °C / +85°C (3.5V), and low ESR. HS, HSL, and HSH supercapacitors can be utilized as sole energy storage or combined with batteries to optimize system cost, lifetimes, and runtimes.
Product Series |
HS |
HSL |
HSH |
Capacitance | 5 F to 220 F | 5 F to 220 F | 3.0 F to 1400 F |
Operating Temp. Range (°C) | -15 °C to +70/85 °C (3.5V) |
-25 °C to +70 °C |
-25 °C to +70 °C |
Cycle Life (Times) |
>=500,000 |
>=250,000 |
>= 250,000 |
Characteristics |
High operating temperature |
Low operating temperature Low ESR |
About 65% higher cap density |
Hand soldering is recommended. The use of wave soldering, infrared heating, and air-heated reflow soldering is strictly prohibited. The soldering iron should be kept below +350 ⁰C and applied for less than 5 seconds. No clean solder should be used to avoid short circuiting the cells with a liquid cleaning solution. It is forbidden to touch the positive and negative leads with each other during handling.
The cells have undergone overvoltage testing, overdischarge testing, short circuit and puncture tests with no safety issues. These conditions should be avoided however as they can cause accelerated degradation or permanent cell damage. Do not connect the parts in reverse polarity. Despite these precautions, short circuit does not result in thermal runaway as might be expected in a Li-ion battery.
The electrolyte inside is flammable and can be harmful. The cells should not be put into a fire, immersed in liquid or used if damaged. This risks contact with the electrolyte. Please consult with the MSDS for the electrolyte in these cases.
Shipment of lithium-based hybrid supercapacitors is governed by the United Nations Dangerous Goods shipment regulation 3508 for Asymmetric Capacitors. However, Eaton packs parts into foam packaging to prevent short circuit of the leads.
A cell management system (CMS) is recommended. This is much simpler than a battery management system (BMS) associated with lead acid or lithium ion batteries. With a supercapacitor (standard or hybrid), the management system is to maximize the lifetime of the product, whereas battery systems need a management system for safety. The CMS is needed to stop discharging at 2.2 V and to keep the cell voltages equal in designs where multiple cells are connected in series.
Yes, the hybrid supercapacitors are shipped charged at > 3.1 V. They have protective sleeves on the leads to prevent accidental shorting.
See the below charts for reference.