The world of energy storage is rapidly evolving, starting with several new cell chemistries vying for prominence in the ever-transforming electrification landscape. Join us this week as we compare the unique advantages & challenges of various types of supercapacitors & high-power lithium-ion & sodium-ion batteries.
Contact: Betsy Barry
Communication Manager
706.206.7271
betsy.barry@acculonenergy.com
The world of energy storage is rapidly evolving, starting with several new cell chemistries vying for prominence in the ever-transforming electrification landscape. Among these, supercapacitors are being celebrated for their unmatched power density. However, other interesting technologies like high-power lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries are offering alternative solutions that are equally as interesting. Technology development has increased the power and reduced the price of LFP chemistry, making modern and affordable LFP cells ideal for medium to high-power-demanding applications.
Supercapacitors: Power with a Price
Supercapacitors stand out in the energy storage landscape due to their exceptional power density, surpassing available battery tech. This makes them ideal for applications requiring high power output with physical space constraints. However, the road to widespread use is not entirely smooth. High production costs and significant self-discharge rates are deterrents. Additionally, as supercapacitors age, their internal resistance increases. This necessitates system oversizing and leads to underutilizing their full voltage range, further complicating their adoption.
The Promise and Pitfalls of Lithium-ion Supercapacitors (LICs)
Lithium-ion supercapacitors (LICs) have emerged with the promise of merging the high power of supercapacitors with the advantages of lithium-ion batteries. This hybrid technology aims to deliver the best of both worlds: rapid energy delivery of supercapacitors and high energy capacity of lithium-ion batteries. However, the reality has been less impressive. Today’s LICs fail to outperform either supercapacitors or lithium-ion batteries in critical performance metrics, leaving the possibility for adoption in limbo.
While supercapacitors currently hold the crown for power density, their limitations open the door for other technologies, such as high-power lithium-ion batteries or sodium-ion batteries with their enhanced power capabilities.
High-Power Lithium-ion Batteries: A Front Runner?
Amidst the shortcomings of LICs, high-power lithium-ion batteries have risen to prominence. Batteries with LTO (Lithium Titanate Oxide) or amorphous carbon anodes have demonstrated superior performance in real-world applications. These batteries not only compete with supercapacitors in power delivery but also excel in other essential aspects such as longevity and cost efficiency. While LTO has been the most recognized high-power lithium-ion battery, those with amorphous carbon anodes are currently leading the market due to their lower cost and higher power output. Interestingly, some manufacturers have started marketing these high-power lithium-ion batteries with amorphous carbon anodes under the guise of “LICs,” although they fundamentally differ from traditional LICs. Even so, expect to see more from these cells.
High-Power Sodium-ion Batteries: The Next Big Thing?
Looking to the future, high-power sodium-ion batteries present an intriguing potential to surpass lithium-ion batteries in power delivery. This is primarily due to the improved cation transport in their electrolytes, which could lead to faster charge and discharge rates. As research and development in this area continue, sodium-ion batteries might emerge as a formidable competitor in the high-power energy storage market.
This radar chart compares normalized volumetric and gravimetric densities of energy and power, along with their costs, for various battery and supercapacitor technologies. Most of the performance data was obtained at Acculon’s Battery Lab; actual quotes from cell manufacturers have been used for benchmarking and plotting. LFP and Na-Ion cells used for benchmarking represent modern energy-dense versions of these chemistries, LTO and High-Power Li-ion batteries represent power-optimized cells.
Conclusion
The energy storage sector is in a state of dynamic evolution, with each new cell chemistry presenting unique advantages and challenges. While supercapacitors currently hold the crown for power density, their limitations open the door for other technologies. High-power lithium-ion batteries, especially those with amorphous carbon anodes, have proven to be strong contenders, potentially overshadowing the initial promise of lithium-ion supercapacitors. Meanwhile, sodium-ion batteries hold promise for the future, potentially revolutionizing the landscape with their enhanced power capabilities. As advancements continue, the interplay between these technologies will shape the future of energy storage, driving innovation and efficiency in myriad applications. At Acculon, we’ll continue to engage in research and development as new chemistries become available, demonstrating our commitment to advancing the energy storage industry and a sustainable future.