Well I dunno if ultracapacitors will ever replace batteries, but there is definately a market niche for them. I heard that huge 2500-Farad 2.5v caps are used as "brakes" on some electric cars- the brake pedal controls how much current is diverted from the motor to the capacitors. The harder the pedal is pushed, the more kinetic (motion) energy is turned into stored (potential) capacitor energy. That stored energy is then used to accelerate the car later on. Ingenious! I personally would like to hear comments on the feasibility of powering a small DC electic motor for 15-30 minutes from a bank of lightweight ultracapacitors. I'm interested in powering an ultralight aircraft (250 pounds) up to 2500 feet AGL, so the emphasis really is on light-weight.
Experience shows that a 15hp internal combustion engine is adequate for the job. I don't know the gearing yet. But the fuel is dangerous and pollutes the environment. If it were possible to charge capacitors rather than pour in petrol, I'd rather do that.
So what are your thoughts? Possible? Not possible? Please share.
Regards,
Mark
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posted 29 April 2001 22:15
posted 30 October 2001 14:48
