Supercapacitor Modules Bridge The Power Gap For No-Fail Systems

Reliable backup power is essential for mission-critical systems, such as data centers, hospitals, smart buildings, and grids, to bridge the gap between grid failures and long-term backup activation (e.g., diesel generators). Hospitals rely on backup power not only for life-sustaining equipment but also for portable devices requiring variable power, such as MRI machines. Similarly, smart systems use backup power to safely operate actuators, valves, and grid reclosers during faults.

While batteries are common for backup power, they have significant limitations, including runtime constraints, degradation over time, and insufficient surge power capabilities. Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors, are emerging as a superior alternative. With extremely high capacitance, supercapacitors excel in delivering rapid energy bursts for hundreds of thousands of duty cycles, even under harsh environmental conditions. Their scalability through modules—arranged in series or parallel—makes them ideal for providing real-time power supplements during surges or outages.

Designing effective supercapacitor modules requires addressing challenges like thermal management and cell balancing. To simplify this process, Knowles Precision Devices offers a range of customizable and off-the-shelf supercapacitor technologies tailored to meet specific operational needs. Key considerations for selecting the right module include minimum voltage levels, runtime requirements, charging voltage, power capacity, lifetime expectations, mechanical constraints, and environmental conditions.

Supercapacitors offer an advanced, durable solution for modern power management, ensuring uninterrupted operation in critical systems where reliability is paramount. Explore custom supercapacitor options with Knowles for tailored backup power solutions.