IEC Group to Develop Standard for Hybrid Electric Car Capacitors

March 6, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

The technology behind this development is the electric double layer capacitor - a component that can store electric charge that can be released when the drive in the hybrid electric car needs the high power boost for acceleration.

These capacitors can also receive electric charge when the car brakes, regenerating energy that would otherwise be lost, said the IEC.

The double-layer capacitors are colloquially called "super-capacitors" as their capacity is measured in thousands of farads whereas common capacitors are in the order of microfarads, according to the IEC.

The IEC group aims to circulate the draft standard on these capacitors for public comment in the fourth quarter of 2008 with the finalized standard scheduled for publication 12 months later, said the IEC.

"Although the energy density of capacitors is quite low compared to batteries, their excellent power characteristics are their main value - providing 'bursts' of electric energy that can help these new generation of cars to accelerate at comparable or better rates than traditional petrol-only engine vehicles while achieving a significantly reduced fuel consumption," said Dr. Peter Van den Bossche, IEC project leader, Erasmus University College.

While the double layer capacitors are making their appearance in hybrid electric vehicles on the market, the publication of the international standard is a step in the effort to transfer technology between developed and developing countries, said the IEC.

Double layer capacitors are also used for other applications including elevators and lifting gear.

Source: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).