Fun with ultracapacitors!!

Summary

In this video, the presenter explores the destructive potential of ultracapacitors, which can store significantly more energy than regular capacitors. Demonstrating the energy capacity of a 560 microfarad capacitor and a 2600 farad ultracapacitor, the video shows how the latter can hold up to 8100 joules. Through various experiments, including burning soldering braid and melting an inductor, the presenter highlights the ultracapacitor's low equivalent series resistance (ESR), which allows for high current discharge without significant voltage drop or heat generation. The video concludes with a cautionary note on safety, emphasizing the impressive power of a 2-volt supply.

Takeaways

• 🔋 Ultracapacitors have a much higher energy storage capacity compared to regular capacitors.
• ⚡ The energy stored in a capacitor is calculated using a specific formula, which can be applied to determine the potential destructive power.
• 💥 A single ultracapacitor can store enough energy to cause significant damage, such as burning soldering braid or melting an inductor.
• 🔩 The destructive power of an ultracapacitor is demonstrated by its ability to light up PCB traces and create sparks.
• 🔌 Despite having less voltage, ultracapacitors can outperform batteries in high-current applications due to their low equivalent series resistance (ESR).
• ♨️ The ESR of an ultracapacitor is significantly lower than that of a typical AA battery, allowing for high-current discharge without significant voltage drop or heat generation.
• 🔧 The video demonstrates the practical application of ultracapacitors by showing their ability to cause various effects with only a 2-volt supply.
• ⏱️ Charging large ultracapacitors can be time-consuming, especially when limited by the power supply's current capacity.
• 💥 Increasing the voltage by connecting ultracapacitors in series allows for even more powerful discharges, leading to more dramatic effects.
• ⚠️ The video concludes with a cautionary note on safety, advising viewers not to replicate the dangerous experiments shown.

Q & A

What are ultracapacitors and how do they differ from regular capacitors?

Ultracapacitors are a type of capacitor that can hold much more energy compared to regular capacitors. They are capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy quickly, which makes them useful in applications requiring high power delivery.

What is the energy storage formula for a capacitor?

The energy stored in a capacitor is given by the formula E = (1/2) C V^2, where E is the energy in joules, C is the capacitance in farads, and V is the voltage across the capacitor in volts.

How much energy can a 560 microfarad, 200 volt electrolytic capacitor store?

According to the formula, a 560 microfarad, 200 volt electrolytic capacitor can store a maximum of 11.2 joules of energy.

What is the capacitance and voltage rating of the ultracapacitors mentioned in the script?

The ultracapacitors mentioned have a capacitance of 2600 farads and a maximum voltage rating of 2.5 volts.

How much energy can a single ultracapacitor store according to the script?

A single ultracapacitor can store 8100 joules of energy.

Why can ultracapacitors perform actions that two AA batteries cannot, despite having less stored energy?

Ultracapacitors have a much lower equivalent series resistance (ESR) compared to batteries, allowing them to deliver high currents without significant voltage drop or heat generation, which is essential for high-power applications.

What is the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of a typical AA alkaline battery?

The equivalent series resistance of a typical AA alkaline battery is 120 milliohms.

How does the ultracapacitor's low ESR affect its performance under high current loads?

The ultracapacitor's low ESR of 0.7 milliohms allows it to handle high current loads with minimal voltage drop and heat generation, enabling it to charge and discharge at hundreds of amperes without issue.

What happens when the ultracapacitors are charged to a higher voltage by connecting them in series?

When ultracapacitors are connected in series, the maximum voltage increases, allowing for more power to be delivered into a resistive load, which results in more significant effects such as larger explosions or vaporization.

How long does it take to charge an ultracapacitor array with a 5-ampere power supply according to the script?

It takes approximately 21.7 minutes to charge the ultracapacitor array to 10 volts using a 5-ampere power supply.

What safety warning is given regarding the actions demonstrated in the video?

The video concludes with a warning that ultracapacitors are awesome, but for safety reasons, viewers should not attempt any of the destructive actions shown in the video.