Download document () of 20

Hybrid supercapacitors explained

How are hybrid supercapacitors different than traditional supercapacitor (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 video below explains how they operate.

What is a hybrid supercapacitor? 

Hybrid supercapacitors are variants of standard supercapacitors that combine lithium-ion technology and electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) construction for improved performance.

What are the unique characteristics of hybrid supercapacitors?

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.

How are hybrid supercapacitors different than traditional supercapacitor (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. 

What is the difference between the HS and HSH series hybrid supercapacitors?

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

How do I solder hybrid supercapacitor cells?

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.

Are hybrid supercapacitors safe?

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.

How do I ship hybrid supercapacitor parts?

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. 

Do hybrid supercapacitors require a battery management system?

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.

Are the hybrid supercapacitors shipped charged?

Yes, the hybrid supercapacitors are shipped charged at > 3.1 V.  They have protective sleeves on the leads to prevent accidental shorting.

What is the performance over temperature for hybrid supercapacitors?

See the below charts for reference. 

Hybrid supercapacitor DC ESR vs temperature
Hybrid supercapacitor capacitance vs temperature

What are the precautions for handling for high energy density hybrid supercapacitors?

  • Prohibition of disassembly: The disassembly may generate internal short circuit in the capacitor, which may cause gas, leakage, explosion or other problems.
  • Prohibition of dumping capacitors into fire: These may cause explosion of the capacitors, which is very dangerous and forbidden.
  • Prohibition of capacitors immersion into water or seawater:   The capacitors shall never be immersed into water, seawater or other similar liquid, and keep the capacitors in a cool dry environment during no using.
  • Prohibition of using damaged capacitors: The capacitors may be damaged during shocking of shipment. If any abnormal features of the capacitors are found such as damages in the package, electrolyte leakage, drumming gas or others, prohibition of using the capacitors. The capacitors with an electrolyte smell or leakage should be placed away from fire to avoid fire.
  • Prohibition of short-circuit or using for outside the working voltage which may cause to gas, leakage or other problems.
  • Prohibition of reversing the positive(+) and negative(-) terminals. Which may cause to gas, leakage or other problems.

What precautions should be considered for devices using supercapacitors?

  • Do not use the product at voltages above the upper limit voltage (3.8 V) or below the lower limit voltage (2.2 V), or at temperatures outside the operating temperature range (HS:-15℃ to 85℃,HSL:-25℃ to 70℃, HSH: -25℃ to 70℃). It may generate gas, causing it to leak, heat up, smoke, explode, or burst into flames.
  • Do not use the product at voltages below the lower limit voltage (2.2 V). Take due care when designing circuits so that the voltage never falls below the lower limit voltage.
  • Do not use the product at voltages greater than the upper limit voltage (3.8 V). Take due care when designing circuits so that the voltage never exceeds the upper limit voltage.

Hybrid supercapacitors from Eaton

Each hybrid cylindrical cell offers between 30 F and 220 F of capacitance with a maximum working voltage of 3.8 V, an operating temperature range from -25 °C to +70 °C, and ultra-low ESR.