UCAP16-58 ULTRACAPACITOR MODULE The Intronics Power Inc. UCAP16-58 Ultracapacitor Module is a versatile high power energy storage subsystem with applications in many fields. FEATURES • Consists of six series connected 350 Farad ultracapacitors • Includes individual cell balancing circuitry • Operating Temperature Range -40 to +65 degrees C • 5800 watt max surge power • High current capability printed circuit board • High current screw connector APPLICATIONS • • • • • • • • Remote site monitoring Solar energy storage Battery augmentation Vehicle electrical system stabilization Regenerative energy capture Solar powered electric gates Remote weather stations Highway emergency telephones and signage 1400 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY • BUILDING 2 NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS 02062-5015 PHONE: 781-551-5500 FAX: 781-551-5555 GENERAL Ultracapacitors are similar to other capacitors, except they have much greater capacitance, and are generally rated at 2.7 volts or less. Therefore, they are generally connected in series for higher voltage applications. To ensure that each individual ultracapacitor in such a series configuration is not charged above its rated voltage, a cell balancing circuit is often included. to 16V and discharging it to 11V will mean the storage and release of 728 joules. The module will store and release electrical energy reliably and efficiently. Due to the balancing circuit the self discharge of a fully charged module is relatively high when fully charged, but rapidly decreases to very low level after one or two days (Chart 1) BALANCING CIRCUIT The balancing circuit consists of high efficiency LED in series with a silicon diode connected across each ultracapacitor in the module. The exponential forward The Intronics UCAP16-58 module consists of six VI characteristics of the LED and diode leaks current at series connected 350 farad ultracapacitors with approximately 20 mA from any ultracapacitor in the individual cell balancing circuitry. This module is module when its voltage approaches its maximum intended for use as part of larger systems where reliable rating of 2.7V. If the external power source can deliver energy storage is essential. more than 20 mA to the module, some form of external voltage limiting will be necessary. The balancing Ultracapacitors are similar to other capacitors, except circuit will only balance the voltage between they have much greater capacitance, and are generally ultracapacitors in the module. It will not limit the rated at 2.7 volts or less. Therefore, they are generally module voltage. connected in series for higher voltage applications. To Another benefit of the balancing circuit design is that ensure that each individual ultracapacitor in such a the LEDs in the circuit will give a rough indication of series configuration is not charged above its rated the charge state of the module. If the LEDs are bright, voltage, a cell balancing circuit is often included. the module is fully charged. If they are dim, it is above approximately 12V. If one or more LED is significantly The printed circuit board has extra thick (4oz) copper different from the others, it may indicate a failed or and high current screw type terminals. It can be used marginal ultracapacitor. with solder connections, ring terminals and screws, as well as the high current screw terminal connector. SELF DISCHARGE OVERVIEW The balancing circuit is designed to leak current from each individual ultracapacitor as its voltage approaches the its maximum rated voltage of 2.7V. Thus, This module has a capacitance of 58.3 farads at a ultracapacitors that are higher charged will leak more maximum rated voltage of 16.4V. The stored energy of than ultracapacitors that are less charged, thus a capacitor is 1/2CV² , so if fully charged to 16.4V, this balancing the total module voltage equally between all module will store 7840 joules (watt seconds). If the ultracapacitors in the module. As the ultracapacitor charged to one voltage (V1) and discharged to a lower voltage decreases, the leakage falls off rapidly, voltage (V2), the stored and released voltage is the becoming less than 1% per day when the module difference between 1/2C(V1)² and 1/2C(V2)² or voltage is under 13.4V (Chart 2). 1/2C(V1-V2)² . So for example, charging the module ENERGY STORAGE 1400 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY • BUILDING 2 NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS 02062-5015 PHONE: 781-551-5500 FAX: 781-551-5555 NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS SPECIFICATIONS Voltage 0-16.4V Max Continuous Current 21 Amps RMS Max Peak Current (1 second, non repetitive) 220 Amps Storage Temperature Range -40 to +70 degrees C Operating Temperature Range -40 to +65 degrees C Stored energy 7650 joules (2.12 WH) Max Output Power 5856 Watts Dimensions 5” x 3.1” x 2.7” high Weight 1.0 lb (.45 Kg) ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS Maximum Voltage 17.1V Maximum Short Circuit Current 840 Amps CONNECTIONS Connector Wire Entry .216” x. 225” (Accepts #4 AWG wire) PCB Wire Solder Hole .100” dia (accepts #10 AWG wire) PCB Terminal Lug Hole .193” dia (accepts #10 screw) % loss per day VS days PHYSICAL 2.00% 1.80% 1.60% 1.40% PCB Copper Laminate 4 oz/sq ft PCB Mounting Holes 4 X .193” dia (accept #10 screw) Dimensions 5” x 2.8” x 2.7” high Weight 1.0 lb (.45 Kg) 1.20% 1.00% 0.80% 0.60% 0.40% 0.20% 0.00% 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 Module Voltage VS Days % Voltage loss per day VS Module Voltage 18 16.00% 16 14.00% 14 12.00% 12 6.00% 4.00% 2.00% 0.00% 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 10 Volts 8.00% Volts 10.00% 8 6 4 2 0 MODULE VOLTAGE 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 Days 1400 PROVIDENCE HIGHWAY • BUILDING 2 NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS 02062-5015 PHONE: 781-551-5500 FAX: 781-551-5555