Just for fun, I wanted to compare the energy stored in a rechargeable AA battery sitting here on my desk vs and ultracap that I found on the internet.
My battery: 1.2 V Ni-MH, 1700 mAH
The ultracap: 2.7 V, 310 F
My battery energy:
= (voltage)(amperes)(time)
= (1.2 V)(1700 mA)(1 Hr)
= (1.2 V)(1.7 A)(3600 sec)
= 7344 Joules
The ultra cap energy:
= (1/2)(C)(V^2)
= (1/2)(310 F)(2.7 V)^2
= 1129 Joules
Hmm, seems fishy. I don't believe my battery can really supply 1.7A for one hour. Maybe half that if I'm lucky-- bringing it to 3672 Joules. That's still 3x more energy than this particular ultracap can store.
My battery: 1.2 V Ni-MH, 1700 mAH
The ultracap: 2.7 V, 310 F
My battery energy:
= (voltage)(amperes)(time)
= (1.2 V)(1700 mA)(1 Hr)
= (1.2 V)(1.7 A)(3600 sec)
= 7344 Joules
The ultra cap energy:
= (1/2)(C)(V^2)
= (1/2)(310 F)(2.7 V)^2
= 1129 Joules
Hmm, seems fishy. I don't believe my battery can really supply 1.7A for one hour. Maybe half that if I'm lucky-- bringing it to 3672 Joules. That's still 3x more energy than this particular ultracap can store.