The distinctive traits of a cutting-edge energy storage technology
A closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of supercapacitors with Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG
We are living in a period of significant transformation in the energy sector. New technologies are redefining how we store and manage power on a global scale. As Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, observes, this shift is already reshaping industries worldwide. A clear example is the rise of electric vehicles, which depend on highly specialised batteries. Their success reflects the remarkable progress that energy storage technology has achieved.
Lithium-ion batteries have become a household name and remain central to the clean energy revolution. Much like solar panels and wind turbines, they highlight the impressive strides made towards a greener future. These batteries power electric cars, homes, and a wide range of devices with a significantly lower environmental impact.
Today, however, supercapacitors are increasingly in the spotlight. While their use in energy storage is still relatively new, their unique performance characteristics are gaining attention. Positioned somewhere between traditional capacitors and lithium batteries, their greatest strength lies in their speed and resilience under high demand.
Supercapacitors offer a higher power density than conventional batteries, capable of releasing intense bursts of energy within seconds. The trade-off is their relatively low energy storage capacity, which limits their suitability for long-term power supply.
They are not designed to replace batteries altogether. Instead, they excel at delivering short, powerful bursts of energy, operating efficiently in systems that require frequent charge and discharge cycles, and demonstrating exceptional durability. These qualities make them highly valuable across a variety of applications.
“The global energy shift will only move forward with strong new technology,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, civil engineer and founder of TELF AG. “Supercapacitors are one of the most exciting tools in this space. They help make energy systems faster, more stable, and longer-lasting. They also work well with other energy tools, like solar or wind.”
Understanding how they work
Unlike conventional batteries, supercapacitors do not rely on chemical reactions to store energy. Instead, they use an electrostatic process. Inside the device, two electrodes are separated by an electrolyte, which may be either liquid or solid. When voltage is applied, ions in the electrolyte move rapidly and accumulate on the surface of the electrodes, generating a powerful electric charge.
This phenomenon is referred to as a double electric layer. Energy is stored within this layer, allowing the device to charge and discharge at extraordinary speeds. With no chemical transformation involved, the process remains stable, clean, and efficient.
Applications across sectors
These unique characteristics make supercapacitors valuable in a wide range of industries. In the field of electric mobility, for example, they improve both acceleration and braking in hybrid vehicles. Their ability to deliver quick energy surges allows for smoother driving and reduces strain on the primary battery, thereby extending the life of the entire system.
In industrial contexts, supercapacitors can be applied to:
• Stabilising electrical grids and maintaining current flow
• Powering industrial robots that operate at high frequencies
• Providing instant backup power during outages
Supercapacitors have also proven particularly effective in smart grids. Their rapid response to sudden fluctuations in energy demand helps prevent overloads and maintain grid stability. Moreover, they complement renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which can fluctuate unpredictably. By absorbing these variations, supercapacitors help ensure a more stable and reliable power supply.
Key benefits
“Supercapacitors offer several clear advantages,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “One of the most important is how fast they charge and recharge. They are much quicker than traditional batteries. They also last longer. These devices can handle a high number of charge cycles without wearing out. They deliver strong power in a short time. They also work in wide temperature ranges. On top of that, they require little to no regular maintenance.”
Working alongside batteries for the energy transition
One of the greatest strengths of supercapacitors is their compatibility with batteries, making them especially valuable during the transition to cleaner energy systems. They enhance the stability of power grids and assist in balancing energy flows in networks powered by renewable sources like wind and solar. These traits make them particularly beneficial for energy-intensive industries such as transport and heavy machinery.
In hybrid energy systems, supercapacitors can help extend battery life and improve overall efficiency by managing rapid bursts of power, while batteries handle sustained energy requirements.
“There are still some downsides,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “They have low energy density. Their voltage also drops as they discharge. Cost is another concern. The materials used are still expensive. And they aren’t ideal for long-term energy storage on their own.”
As research continues and production methods evolve, supercapacitors are expected to play a more prominent role in energy storage solutions, offering complementary support to traditional batteries and paving the way for more efficient, resilient, and sustainable energy systems.
People Also Ask
What exactly are supercapacitors?
Supercapacitors are also called ultracapacitors. They are energy storage devices. They sit between capacitors and rechargeable batteries. They don’t use chemical reactions. They store energy with electrostatic fields. This lets them charge very fast. They also discharge quickly. They are perfect for short bursts of power. They work well in systems that need frequent charging and discharging.
How do they work?
Supercapacitors do not store energy like batteries. Batteries use chemical reactions, while supercapacitors use electrostatic charge. When voltage is applied, ions move through the electrolyte and stick to the surface of two electrodes. This creates an electric double layer, which holds the energy. It lets the device charge and release power very fast.
What are the main advantages of using these devices?
Supercapacitors have many clear advantages:
- Ultra-fast charging and discharging – They charge or release power in seconds. This helps systems that need quick energy with no delay.
- High power density – They deliver sharp bursts of energy. This works well in cars and heavy machines.
- Long cycle life – They last through millions of cycles. Batteries wear out much faster.
- Low maintenance – They need little care. That cuts down long-term costs.
- Extreme temperature performance – They work in heat and cold. Batteries often fail in those conditions.
Where are they currently used?
Supercapacitors are used in many industries:
- Automotive: They help with quick starts and support braking and stop-start systems, which boosts electric and hybrid car performance.
- Industrial: They keep the voltage steady. They prevent power drops. They act fast during outages.
- Consumer electronics: They back up memory in devices. This protects data during a short power loss.
- Renewable energy: They generate power from solar and wind. They react quickly to changes, keeping the energy flow stable.
Can supercapacitors replace batteries?
Not yet. Supercapacitors are not complete replacements for batteries. They deliver quick energy and last a long time. But they fall short in one key area—energy density. They can’t store as much energy per kilogram as batteries. That limits their use for long-term storage. They aren’t ideal for systems that need steady power over time.
Still, supercapacitors work well with batteries. In hybrid systems, they handle power surges. They also manage quick discharges. This takes pressure off the batteries. It helps them last longer. It also keeps them working more efficiently.
What are the limitations?
Despite their benefits, supercapacitors do have some limits:
- Lower energy density: They can’t store as much energy as batteries. This makes them less useful for long-term storage.
- Voltage decay: Their voltage drops during use. Without a control system, this can cause problems.
- Higher costs: They are still expensive. This is due to costly materials and complex production.
- It is not ideal for all storage needs: They can’t store energy for long. This makes them unfit for grid or home storage by themselves.
How do supercapacitors support renewable energy systems?
Renewable sources like wind and solar generate power intermittently. This can cause fluctuations that stress the electrical grid. Supercapacitors help by:
- Absorbs and releases energy quickly to balance short-term power surges or dips.
- Supporting “smart grid” technologies by improving response times and stabilising energy flow.
- Assisting in peak shaving and load balancing to prevent blackouts or system overloads.
They react in milliseconds. Batteries respond much more slowly. This delay can cause issues in fast-changing systems. Supercapacitors fill that gap. They act first. Batteries provide power after. In hybrid setups, this teamwork keeps energy flow smooth and stable.
Will costs come down in the future?
It’s likely. As research improves, costs may go down. Mass production will help lower prices. New materials could help too. Graphene is one example. It may boost performance. It could also make supercapacitors more affordable.
What industries could benefit most from supercapacitors in the future?
Many industries can use supercapacitors:
- Transport: They help buses, trains, and aircraft. These vehicles need quick energy daily.
- Heavy machinery: Mining and construction tools need fast bursts of power.
- Telecom and data centers: They protect systems during brief power loss.
- Military and aerospace: These fields require strong power and tools that can work in extreme heat or cold.
What’s the bottom line?
Supercapacitors are not a perfect energy storage solution. But they are a strong support tool. They respond fast. They last long. They use energy well. This makes them ideal for short-term and high-power tasks. They may never fully replace batteries. But their role in hybrid systems will grow. They will also become important in future energy networks around the world.