Current Research

Efficient Charging of Ultracapacitors

Principal investigators:

Todd H. Hubing, Haixin Ke and Tiebing Lu

Graduate student:

Hocheol Kwak

Brief abstract:

Although ultracapacitors are very efficient devices for storing electric energy, most methods for charging these capacitors are very inefficient, dissipating an amount of energy (as heat) that is greater than the amount of energy ultimately stored in the capacitor. Researchers at Clemson are developing a technique for charging ultracapacitors that promises to double the efficiency of systems that rely on ultracapacitors for energy storage.

Impact:

This research will help to make electric and hybrid/electric automobiles more energy efficient by making effective use of ultracapacitors.