ULTRACAPACITOR APPLICATIONS

TRANSPORT

Kinetic energy recuperation systems (kers), start-stop systems in micro-hybrids

The transportation market is the most attractive segment for ultracapacitor manufacturers worldwide, in particular, automotive applications such as various on-board systems for hybrid electromobiles, kers, start stop systmes. In the same time, this segment is extremely demanding in terms of ultracapacitor performance, reliability and safety. Moreover, a great deal of resources and time has to be allocated when dealing with automotive applications due to most of such programs have long and sophisticated development cycles which take several years to output results. It is clear that this segment generally represents rather oligopolistic type of economy and, hence, only a few leading manufacturers have a real chance of becoming suppliers to large automaker companies.

The heavy hybrid market is already the most mature sector in the ultracapacitor market and continues to expand rapidly. The ultracapacitors function as energy storage for storing and reusing energy which comes from regenerative braking in hybrid buses and trucks. Ultracapacitors can be used both in onboard and stationary systems in this segment. Other opportunities here include cold starting of diesel engine for trucks and trains, emergency power to various subsystems etc.

Mass Transit – buses, trams, commercial vehicles

Automotive – hybrid drivetrains, electrical systems, cold cranking, kers, start stop.

INDUSTRY

Cranes, loaders, forklifts, robots, welding machines etc.

ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEMS

Power stabilizers, uninterruptible power supplies, smart grid systems etc.

Industrial applications are primarily characterized by stationary stand–by applications where ultracapacitors are superior over other solutions due to outstanding power characteristics. This segment of the ultracapacitor market generally has somewhat shorter commercialization period compared to automotive market – from one to three years. Examples of industrial stand-by applications for ultracapacitors include emergency backup power to the pitch control system of wind turbine generators, power for memory backup, UPS and other short-term bridging power applications.

Power Grid – power stabilization, supporting Smart Grid

UPS – telecom backup stations, power quality and uninterruptible power

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

PDA, AMR, SSD, flashlights, toys, hand tools etc.

Consumer electronics segment of the market can be characterized as a market of opportunities. However, it has a lot of features making it quite different from industrial and automotive applications. It is costly and time-sensitive due to very short design-in times, the volumes of ultracapacitors are significant, product often requires customization according to versatile customer needs.

Consumer Electronics – memory backup, extending battery lifetime, data transmitting support

Tools – portable power applications

SPECIAL NICHES

Specialized technical equipment,
rigs, microsatellites etc.