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Ultra-Thin Supercapacitors for IoT: Sustainable Power for Modern Devices

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By Jake Morris


Products


Published


29 November 2024

Written by


Connect with Jake Morris on LinkedIn

In the fast-evolving world of IoT, finding efficient, long-lasting, and sustainable power solutions remains a critical challenge. Batteries, though widely used, are not without their limitations. Enter ultra-thin supercapacitors—a groundbreaking innovation by Ligna Energy that is reshaping the landscape of power storage for IoT devices.

Why Ultra-Thin Supercapacitors?

Traditional cylindrical supercapacitors have long been known for their durability and high cycling capacity, but their bulky design limits their applications. Ligna Energy has developed ultra-thin supercapacitors that seamlessly integrate into space-constrained devices such as smart cards, electronic shelf labels, and climate sensors.

These supercapacitors offer an impressive cycling capacity of up to 250,000 cycles, far surpassing the 1,500 cycles typical of lithium-ion batteries. This longevity translates to reduced maintenance, lower lifecycle costs, and fewer environmental concerns at the end of life.

Benefits for IoT Applications

  1. Slim and Lightweight:
    IoT devices are increasingly designed to be sleek and unobtrusive. The ultra-thin profile of Ligna Energy’s supercapacitors allows for seamless integration without compromising aesthetics or functionality.
  2. Sustainability:
    Unlike traditional batteries, these supercapacitors utilise organic electrolytes, making them safer and more environmentally friendly.
  3. Cost Efficiency:
    Ligna Energy’s roll-to-roll manufacturing process in Sweden ensures high production efficiency, keeping costs competitive while maintaining quality.

Harnessing Energy for Endless Power

To power these supercapacitors, energy harvesting is key. Common methods include indoor light harvesting using photovoltaic cells, which provide a renewable and virtually infinite energy source. This synergy between energy harvesting and supercapacitors ensures IoT devices can operate independently for extended periods, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements.

Applications and Market Potential

From smart cards with fingerprint sensors to industrial IoT sensors, ultra-thin supercapacitors are poised to revolutionise several sectors. Their sustainability, coupled with their performance, positions them as an attractive alternative for engineers and manufacturers aiming to reduce costs and improve product reliability.

For design engineers, transitioning from battery power to supercapacitors may seem daunting, but Ligna Energy provides detailed reference designs and personalised support to streamline the process.

Check out our previous coverage

Wirelessly charge a smartcard with Ligna Energy

These sustainable supercapacitors will change IoT

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