The FDK Group has been focusing on the development of a capacitor, a new energy device to realize the environmentconscious storage and supply of electricity. We will contribute to the realization of an energy-saving society by developing
and providing unique products based on the technologies we have nurtured through material development and batterymanufacturing.

Feature Article

FDK s New Product Development
Contributing to an energy-saving society by developing and providing capacitors

What Is a Capacitor?

Capacitor Applications

A capacitor is a type of condenser that can store andIn the face of environmental issues, global warming anddischarge needed electricity.

the surge in crude oil prices, industries are now redoubling

A capacitor does not generate electricity and, unlike dry

their eﬀorts to save energy and veer away from excessive

batteries and solar batteries, it can be used over and overreliance on gasoline. This is where the need for eﬀective

to store and discharging electricity. A capacitor has theenergy utilization with capacitors has emerged. Capacitors

following features, features that are not available fromcontribute to energy saving by their ability to store electricityrechargeable batteries, where electricity is stored withwhen not in use and discharge electricity as needed. Systems

chemical change.

combining capacitors with new energy sources withvariable output such as automotive and wind power genera-① Takes a very short time to charge

tion are being built. With capacitors energy can be recov-② Can make large output available with little dischargeered from the breaking heat, and potential energy inloss③ Can store and discharge repeatedly and has long servicelife④ Can charge with a low voltage

vertically-moving machinery such as elevators, escalatorsand cranes.
Since capacitors can be charged with low direct current,
they are highly compatible with solar power generationand oﬀer excellent future prospects.

Capacitors
Applications
・Automobile
・Construction vehicles
・Wind-power generation
・Solar power generation
・Voltage sag correctors
・Uninterrupted power supplies, etc.

Large amounts of energy are necessary to start an engine or movea stopped car. We can store energy from the heat of breaking, etc.
and utilize it to supply large current instantaneously by means of acapacitor at start up.

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Social & Environmental Report 2008

Ongoing Development at FDK

Large Capacitance High Output EneCapTen

FDK is now developing a new line of capacitors featuring
larger capacitance than conventional capacitors and higher
output than batteries. This product category should satisfy
the upcoming needs of our energy-saving society.
The inherent characteristic of a capacitor is its ability tosupply large current instantaneously. However, if theinternal resistance is not low, large current cannot ﬂow tocapitalize on the merit of the capacitor. Large capacitanceis also required to sustain the ﬂow of large current. Therefore, FDK has developed a new type of large capacitance,
the low internal resistance capacitor EneCapTen.

EneCapTen maintains the characteristics of accepting
and discharging large current, and allows for repeatedcharge and discharge in electric double layer capacitors,
which represents the mainstream for large capacitancecapacitors. In addition, EneCapTen oﬀers the advantage
of increased output due to larger capacitance and higher
operational voltage, as well as having a higher operationaltemperature range. Like electric double layer capacitors,
EneCapTen does not require the use of heavy metals,
making it a clean and environmentally friendly device.
Cell (High Output Type)

DevelopedProducts

EneCapTen Features
・Compact and large capacitance・Long service life
・High output
・High operational voltage
・Excellent high temperature
characteristics

Comparison of Electric Characteristics between
the EneCapTen and Conventional Capacitors
ElectricCharacteristics

Electric Double
Layer Capacitor

Maximum Voltage (V)

3.6 to 4.0

2.3 to 2.5

Minimum Voltage (V)

1.8 to 2.2（＊1）

0.0Capacitance○×Output power○○

Reliability at High Temp.

◎○Cycle Life○○

Operating Temperature (℃)−20 to 80−20 to 60＊1 There is a lower voltage limit which requires over-discharge protection. FDK has
developed protective circuit technology in-house.

EneCapTen was exhibited at CEATEC JAPAN 2007 and TECHNOFRONTIER 2008, where is received favorable reviews by many visitors.
CEATEC JAPAN 2007

ECM45 Series

Automotive Module

The control circuit comes standard with cell balance, overcharge
and over-discharge protection features as well as external interface.

Contributing to Environmental Conservation
through the Eﬀective Use of Energy
FDK s large capacitance high output capacitor
EneCapTen is characterized by its ability tooperate under temperatures as high as 80℃ andoﬀers long service life. This allows operation in
stringent environments formerly impossible forconventional electric storage devices, greatly expanding its application potentials. There have been manycases where precious energy has been wasted
simply because an eﬀective
electric storage device could
not be installed. This newdevice can eﬀectively utilize
such energy and contributeto Earth s environmental
conservation.
Yasuo Suzuki
General Manager,
Capacitor Business
Department

Social & Environmental Report 200808