Ultracapacitors could see more adoption thanks to start-stop issues
The rapid spread of start-stop systems in newer cars and trucks is fairly easy to explain. By using these systems, automakers have a simple, relatively unobtrusive way of boosting a vehicle’s fuel economy. However, as with most any technology, start-stop systems have their drawbacks.
One of the biggest drawbacks is the fact that start-stop systems aren’t very good when paired with the lead-acid batteries you see in most cars today. These batteries limit the ability of the start-stop system to operate based on factors such as charge level and temperature. If the battery is outside of these parameters, the start-stop system won’t function, thus curbing any potential gains in fuel economy.
The drawback only becomes noticeable as the battery ages, but there’s a way that you could avoid the problem all together, and that’s by using ultracapacitors. Since ultracapacitors can be cycled rapidly and can store a massive amount of energy, due in large part to the fact that they don’t rely on chemical reactions, they could handle the start-stop systems when the battery isn’t up to snuff.
Read more about the story at Wards Auto.
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