Panasonic Develops Backup Power Supply Using Electric Double-layer Capacitor

Jan 24, 2012 15:16 Naoshige Shimizu, Nikkei Automotive Technology

Panasonic Electronic Devices Co Ltd developed a backup power supply using an electric double-layer capacitor for automobiles.

It is used as an emergency power supply when a lead battery breaks in an accident, etc. The company plans to commercialize it in 2014.

Many recent vehicles have a function to automatically lock doors while they are running, etc. So, when a lead battery breaks in an accident and power supply stops, the doors cannot be unlocked and the driver cannot get off the vehicle.

With the new backup power supply, it is possible to unlock the doors and power the electronic control unit (ECU) and communication instrument in case of emergency with the electricity stored in the electric double-layer capacitor. The backup power supply was exhibited at the 3rd EV & HEV Drive System Technology Expo/the 4th Int'l Automotive Electronics Technology Expo, which took place from Jan 18 to 20, 2012, in Tokyo.

Panasonic Electronic Devices employed an electric double-layer capacitor because electric double-layer capacitors have a longer life than rechargeable batteries. They can be used for about 15 years even if they are charged each time vehicles are driven. So, they do not have to be replaced like rechargeable batteries, the company said.

The electric double-layer capacitor was developed by Panasonic. The company used two cells for the backup power supply, whose capacity is about 100F and voltage is 5V or lower.

The electricity stored in the power supply is supplied to in-vehicle electrical equipment after the voltage is boosted to 5-12V with a DC-DC converter. The mass and dimensions of the power supply are approximately 50g and 60 x 27 x 90mm, respectively.

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