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Capacitor vs. Supercapacitor — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy within an electric field, whereas a supercapacitor is a more advanced version with significantly higher capacitance and energy density, allowing for greater energy storage.
Capacitor vs. Supercapacitor — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Capacitor and Supercapacitor

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Key Differences

Capacitors store energy in an electric field between two conductive plates. Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors, have a similar structure but with much higher energy storage capacity.
The energy density of capacitors is relatively low, making them suitable for small, quick bursts of energy. Supercapacitors have a higher energy density, enabling them to store and release more significant amounts of energy.
Capacitors are commonly used in electronic circuits for energy storage and filtering. Supercapacitors find applications in systems requiring rapid charge/discharge cycles, such as in electric vehicles.
The lifespan of standard capacitors is limited by factors like voltage and temperature. Supercapacitors generally have a longer lifespan and better temperature resistance.
While capacitors are cost-effective for basic energy storage needs, supercapacitors are more expensive but offer advanced performance for more demanding applications.
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Comparison Chart

Energy Storage Capacity

Relatively low
Much higher

Energy Density

Lower
Higher

Applications

Electronic circuits, energy filtering
Rapid charge/discharge systems

Lifespan

Limited by voltage, temperature
Generally longer, better resistance

Cost

Cost-effective
More expensive

Compare with Definitions

Capacitor

Stores energy between two conductive plates.
The capacitor's ability to store energy in an electric field is crucial for the circuit's operation.

Supercapacitor

Exhibits higher energy density than traditional capacitors.
The supercapacitor was chosen for its superior energy density for rapid charging.

Capacitor

Assists in managing transient events in circuits.
The capacitor quickly discharged to manage the power surge.

Supercapacitor

Capable of rapid charging and discharging.
The supercapacitor's ability to quickly charge and discharge is perfect for this backup power system.

Capacitor

Used in electronic circuits for various purposes.
We added a capacitor to filter the noise in the audio amplifier.

Supercapacitor

A capacitor with significantly higher energy storage.
The supercapacitor's high capacity made it ideal for the electric car's energy system.

Capacitor

Stores electrical energy in an electric field.
The capacitor in the circuit helps to smooth out voltage fluctuations.

Supercapacitor

Generally has a longer lifespan and better temperature resistance.
The supercapacitor's long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Capacitor

Helps in regulating voltage in electronic devices.
Capacitors in power supplies ensure a steady output voltage.

Supercapacitor

Used in more demanding energy storage applications.
We incorporated a supercapacitor in the renewable energy system for its advanced capabilities.

Capacitor

A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It is a passive electronic component with two terminals.

Supercapacitor

A supercapacitor (SC), also called an ultracapacitor, is a high-capacity capacitor with a capacitance value much higher than other capacitors, but with lower voltage limits, that bridges the gap between electrolytic capacitors and rechargeable batteries. It typically stores 10 to 100 times more energy per unit volume or mass than electrolytic capacitors, can accept and deliver charge much faster than batteries, and tolerates many more charge and discharge cycles than rechargeable batteries.Supercapacitors are used in applications requiring many rapid charge/discharge cycles, rather than long-term compact energy storage — in automobiles, buses, trains, cranes and elevators, where they are used for regenerative braking, short-term energy storage, or burst-mode power delivery.

Capacitor

A device used to store an electric charge, consisting of one or more pairs of conductors separated by an insulator.

Supercapacitor

Any of several types of capacitor that have an unusually high capacitance

Capacitor

An electric circuit element typically consisting of two metallic plates separated and insulated from each other by a dielectric, used to store charge temporarily or to filter signal frequencies. Also called condenser.

Capacitor

(electronics) An electronic component capable of storing electrical energy in an electric field; especially one consisting of two conductors separated by a dielectric.

Capacitor

A device used in electronic circuits to hold electrical charge, consisting of two conducting plates separated by a nonconducting (dielectric) medium; it is characterized by its capacitance.

Capacitor

An electrical device characterized by its capacity to store an electric charge

Common Curiosities

Where are supercapacitors typically used?

In systems requiring rapid charge/discharge cycles, like electric vehicles.

Can supercapacitors replace batteries?

In some applications, yes, especially where rapid charging is needed.

What is a supercapacitor?

An enhanced capacitor with much higher capacitance and energy density.

How do capacitors and supercapacitors differ in energy storage?

Supercapacitors can store significantly more energy than standard capacitors.

What limits the energy density of a capacitor?

The materials and construction of the capacitor plates and dielectric limit its energy density.

What are common uses of capacitors?

They're used in electronic circuits for energy storage, filtering, and voltage regulation.

Is it easy to replace a capacitor in a circuit?

Generally, yes, but it requires some knowledge of electronics.

What is a capacitor?

A device that stores electrical energy in an electric field.

Do capacitors have a limited lifespan?

Yes, their lifespan can be limited by factors like voltage and temperature.

Can a supercapacitor power a device for a long time?

While it can deliver high power, its energy storage is typically suited for short-term, high-demand applications.

Are supercapacitors more expensive than capacitors?

Generally, yes, due to their advanced performance and higher energy density.

Are capacitors used in power supplies?

Yes, they're used to regulate voltage and manage transient responses in power supplies.

How does temperature affect supercapacitors?

Supercapacitors usually have better temperature resistance than standard capacitors.

Can supercapacitors be used in renewable energy systems?

Yes, they're beneficial for energy storage and rapid discharge in such systems.

What makes supercapacitors suitable for electric vehicles?

Their ability to quickly charge and discharge, along with high energy density, makes them suitable.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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