Panasonic uses electric double layer capacitors in automotive backup power supplies

Panasonic’s electronics division has developed an automotive standby power source equipped with an electric double layer capacitor. This product is intended for emergency use when lead batteries are damaged due to accidents. The 2014 productization is scheduled.

The nearest car is equipped with an automatic door lock function during driving. If the lead battery is stopped due to an accident and the power supply is stopped, the door lock cannot be released, and the driver cannot escape from the vehicle. With this development, the electric power stored in the electric double layer capacitor can be used to release the door lock in case of an emergency and to allow the electronic control unit (ECU) and emergency communicator to operate. Matsushita exhibited this development product at the "3rd EV·HEV Drive System Technology Exhibition and the 4th International Automotive Electronics Technology Exhibition" (January 18-20, Tokyo Ariake International Convention & Exhibition Center).

Panasonic’s electronic components use electric double layer capacitors because they have “longer life” than rechargeable batteries. Even if you drive your car every time you charge it, you can use it for about 15 years, so you don't need to replace it like a rechargeable battery (panasonic).

The electric double layer capacitor will be produced by Matsushita Electronic Components. The backup power supply developed uses two units with a capacity of approximately 100F and a voltage of less than 5V. The DC-DC converter boosts the voltage to 5V to 12V and supplies the electric device to the vehicle. The weight is about 50g and the external dimensions are 60x27x90mm.