Technical Note
How to use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
INDEX
1.

2.

Overview of Electric Double Layer Capacitors
1-1

Basic Mechanism

1-2

Structure

1-3

Characteristics of Constituent Material

1-4

Equivalent Circuit models

Basic Performance
2-1 Capacitance
2-2 Resistance
2-3 Leakage Current[Supplement]
1.

Measuring Method of Electrical Characteristics
1-1 Calculating Formula of Capacitance andInternal Resistance
1-2 Power Density
1-3 Energy Density

2.

Modules
2-1 Module Design
2-2 Precautions in Assembling Modules
2-3 Module Calculation Examples

2-4 Voltage Decay Performance
2-5 Discharging Performance［Precaution Statement］

2-6 Frequency Response Performance
2-7 Temperature Dependence Performance

3.

Life Performance
3-1 Life Performance by Ambient Temperature
3-2 Life Performance by Applied Voltage
3-3 Self-heating by Charging and Discharging
3-4 Life Estimation※The specifications do not guarantee performance.

Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation

How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
1.

Overview of Electric Double Layer Capacitors

1-2

Structure
Electric double layer capacitors are constructed of ① the

1-1

Basic Mechanism

electrode assembly (separator between electrode, which

Conventional capacitors have a dielectric sandwiched

consist of aluminum foil and activated carbon, in a rolled

between two electrodes. When a voltage is applied, dipoles

configuration then impregnated with electrolyte),

are oriented, and thus electric charge is stored. Electric②aluminum tabs (connected to each electrode), ③sealing

double layer capacitors have electric charges oriented atplate and aluminum case (to contain them) (see Fig-2).

the boundary of electrolyte and electrodes in what is called

Nippon Chemi-Con produces cylindrical capacitors. The

the “electric double layer” (see Fig-1).

rolled structure of the cylindrical type is the same as that ofour aluminum electrolytic capacitors. This structure hashigh mass productivity because construction material or
production technology of aluminum capacitors can beapplied.

Sealing Plate
Aluminum Tabs

Electrode

Separator(Electric Paper)(Conventional capacitors)

Basic Element Structure (cylindrical)

Safety Valve
Electrode
電極

Electrode
電極

Electrolyte
電解液

＋

－

＋

－

＋

－

＋

－

＋

－

－

＋

－

＋

－

Tape

＋

－

Dimple

＋

－

－

＋

＋
－

Sealing Rubber

＋

＋

－

Screw Terminal
Sealing Plate

Collecting Terminals (tab)Element
Aluminum Case

電気二重層Electric Double Layer

Sleeve(Electric Double Layer Capacitors)

BaseplateFig-1 Mechanism
Fig-2 Structure2

How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
1-3

Characteristics of Constituent Material①

Table-1 Electrolyte Solvent Comparison

Electrode
Solvent

boiling
point

flashing
point

about 2000m2/g, is used for the electrode. Natural plant,

Propylene carbonate

242℃

130℃

pitch, and resin are some of the raw materials for the

Acetonitrile

81.6℃

5.6℃

[Activated Carbon]
Activated carbon, which has large specific surface area ofactivated carbon.

After they are carbonized, they are

activated, a process which causes holes to be opened by③

steam or alkali to greatly increase the specific surface area.

Separator

The separator is used to prevent short circuit caused by

The shape of the holes and the specific surface area

mechanical contact between the anode and cathode, andchange depending on the raw material and the method ofalso to keep electrolyte evenly dispersed. Nippon Chemi-

activation. This affects electrical performance including

Con uses a type of paper separator.

capacitance and internal resistance, as well as life④

performances and reliability.

Case/ Sealing Material

Nippon Chemi-Con uses an aluminum case with sealing[Current Collector]

rubber, which forms a high reliability seal against air andThis is the electrical path to conduct charge from theliquid.

activated electrode to the capacitor terminals. Nippon
Chemi-Con uses aluminum foil.

1-4

Unlike aluminum

Equivalent Circuit

electrolytic capacitors, this aluminum foil does not

Figure-3 is an equivalent circuit model that reasonably

contribute to the capacitance.

describes electric double layer capacitors.

Total (cell)

capacitance is a result of the capacitance of the twoelectrodes C1 and C2 connected in series.
②

Electrolyte

Electrolyte is usually a conductive liquid, which affects
performance such as the internal resistance and operating
voltage.

There are aqueous-solvent type and organic

solvent type electrolytes for electric double layer capacitors.
+ electrode

Nippon Chemi-Con uses an organic solvent systemelectrolyte, which has an advantage of higher operating- electrode

C１、C２ ：capacitance of carbon electrodes

voltage. Acetonitrile and propylene carbonate are two of theR１、R２ ：dielectric resistance of the carbon electrodes

most commonly used solvents; Nippon Chemi-Con uses
propylene carbonate, which is safer in terms of flammability

R３、R５ ： current collector resistanceand toxicity.
R４： resistance of separator & electrolyte

Cell Capacitance: C =C1  C 2
C1 + C 2

Fig-3 Equivalent circuit (1)3How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
The properties of this type of capacitor have a time orfrequency dependence.

The capacitance or resistance2.

Basic Performance

2-1

Capacitancemeasured in 1 ms will have different values thancapacitance and resistance measured over a period of
seconds. The capacitor cannot be described by a single RC

Capacitance is the ability of electric double layer capacitors

time constant. An equivalent circuit model that can describe

to store electricity, and its unit of measurement is farad (F).

this behavior is shown in Figure-4.

The larger the area of the electrode, the greater the chargestorage and capacitance.

The electric permittivity ofelectrolyte also contributes significantly to the performance.

Separator

Activated Carbon

Collector

The capacitance, C, is shown as the formula below.

C = ε/( 4πδ)･dS

・・(1)or C = Q/VElectrolyte

ε ：dielectric constant of electrolyte
δ：distance from electrode surface to ion center

Rn R
Cn C

R2R

R1 R

ReR

C2 C

C1 C

S：surface area of electrode interfacial surface

2-2

ResistanceAs described in Section 1.4 (Equivalent circuit) the

Fig-4 Equivalent circuit (2)resistance of electric double layer capacitors changes withThis behavior is due to the porous nature of the carbon

frequency.

electrodes and the distributed charge storage, eachCurrent Resistance or Internal Resistance (DC Resistanceelectrode consists of fine grains of activated carbon, andor DCIR) as well as for the equivalent series resistanceeach grain acts as a capacitor with its own capacitance and(ESR) at 1 kHz. In general, DCIR> ESR at 1 kHz and bothinternal resistance. Therefore, when electric double layer

have units of W. The DCIR consists of the resistance of

capacitors are charged, the capacitance with lessmaterial

resistance is charged first, and the one with high resistanceconnecting resistance. The larger the area of the electrode,will charge later. If charging is stopped immediately after

the lower the DCIR becomes. The internal resistance ofreaching the charging voltage, the voltage at the terminals

electric double layer capacitors is normally measured

will decrease because of a phenomenon called self-

through direct current. As previously described the cellcharging, in which the capacitance with high resistance isresistance is due to resistances of the electrode, electrolyte,charged from that with low resistance. To achieve a full

separator and internal connections in the cell.

Manufacturers often report values for Direct(electrode,electrolyte,

etc.)

and

internal

voltage charge, continued lower current charging at
2-3

constant voltage is needed after reaching the charging

Leakage Current (LC)When current is applied to electric double layer capacitors,

voltage.

the voltage increases until the capacitor is charged. Whenthe capacitor is then held at this voltage, a small current
keeps flowing. This is called leakage current (LC) and has

4How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
units of ampere (A), milliampere (mA), or microampere (mA).
As shown in Fig-5, this leakage current decreases as timeItV

passes, and eventually reaches a stable value. Initially theleakage current is due to continued charging of individualcarbon grains and in the deeper pores as described in “1-4Equivalent Circuit”. At longer times the leakage current may

Time

Time

be due to reactions of trace impurities in the cell. This

EDLC

Secondary Batteries

property depends on the storage conditions as well as theFig-6 Discharging curve at constant current

applied voltage and temperature and a fixed, leakage
current value cannot be specified. As a standard, it is

At constant power, discharging voltage will not be linear as

usually measured 1 to 24 hours after applying voltage.

compared to constant current, but it is also possible todischarge to 0V (Fig-7).

Time [h]Fig-5 Leakage current as a function of time for an applied voltage

2-4Discharge Time [s]Fig-7 Discharging curve at constant power

Voltage Loss at Open Circuit
Once electric double layer capacitors are charged to a

There is a capacitance change as a function of discharging

specified voltage and then kept at open circuit, the voltage

current as shown in Fig-8.

on the terminals gradually decreases. This is also termed
the open circuit voltage decay or self-discharge rate. This
performance is affected by charging time and charging
voltage, and values are generally low at short charging
time or high charging voltage

2-5Discharge Characteristics
Since electric double layer capacitors store electricity

10physically, it is possible to discharge the capacitor all theway to 0V, unlike batteries. Discharging voltage changes

Discharge current [A]10

Fig-8 Capacitance change as a function of discharging current

linearly as shown in Fig-6, and it is easy to estimate
remaining amount.

2-6Frequency PerformanceElectric double layer capacitors are not suitable to be used
for alternative current because its frequency response is5How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
poor at higher frequencies, different from electrolytic③

capacitors; they do not perform well at frequencies over

Generally,

10Hz. They are more suitable for direct current applications.

temperatures (see Fig-11),

Voltage Decay Rate
voltagedecay

rate increases

athigher100

Temperature Dependence Performance

Maintain voltage rate [%]2-7

Electric double layer capacitors experience performancechanges as a function of temperature. This should be taken
into account when using them.
Capacitance①

Generally, capacitance decreases under low temperature

25℃

90
50℃

80
70
60

75℃

50
0

(see Fig-9).

24

48

72

96

120

144

168

Time [h]Fig-11 Voltage Decay Performance

3.

Life PerformanceElectric double layer capacitors are finite life devices. The
lifetime is affected by environmental conditions such astemperature, humidity, pressure, or vibration, and the use
4

2

2
4
0
0
Temperature [℃]

6
0

8
0

conditions such as electrical conditions, applied voltage or10charge-discharge conditions.
Life assurance of electric double layer capacitors is clearlyFig-9 Temperature Performance (Capacitance)

written on the catalog or on the technical specification sheet(c.f. table-2).
Internal Resistance②

Generally,

internal

resistanceincreases

under

Table-2 Example of DLCAP Life Performancelow

Results after applying constant voltage for 2,000 hours at 70℃,
and measured at 20℃.

temperature (see Fig-10).
800
700
600

Capacitance change

Within ±30％ from initial value

Internal Resistance

Under +200％ from initial standard

500
400

value

300
200
100

3-1
-40

-20

0

20

40

60

80

Life Performance by Ambient Temperature
The lifetime of electric double layer capacitors is strongly

100

Temperature [℃]affected by ambient temperature (see Fig-12).

Fig-10 Temperature Performance (DCIR)

Longerlifetime will be expected by decreasing the ambient
temperature.

6

How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors

Life performance test (DCIR)
Fig-13 Life Performance (Voltage Parameter)

Life performance test (Capacitance)

3-3

Self-Heating by Charging and Discharging
As a result of electric double layer capacitors having internal
resistance, internal heating occurs due to charging anddischarging current. This affects the lifetime of the capacitor.
Degradation is accelerated when the capacitor is charged
or discharged continuously at large currents because it
involves a rise in internal temperature.

As self-heatingchanges greatly depending on the charge-discharge pattern,rise in internal temperature due to this heating needs to be

Life performance test (DCIR)

considered. We recommend low-resistance devices for the

Fig-12 Life Performance test (Temperature Parameter)

applications which have frequent charge-discharge patterns.
3-2Life Performance by Applied Voltage

When frequent charge-discharge is needed, design

The lifetime of electric double layer capacitors is strongly

considering voltage lowering because of voltage drop, or IR

affected by the applied voltage (see Fig-13). Longer lifetime

drop, occurs at the beginning of charging and discharging

will be expected by decreasing the applied voltage.

due to internal resistance.

3-4Life Estimation
General factors which affect the life of electric double layer
capacitors are temperature and continuous applied voltage.
There is linear relationship between the change of electricalperformance and the root of experiment time root t (see Fig14), and the formula (2) is introduced.

ΔC = k √t +aLife performance test (Capacitance)

7・・・・・・・(2)How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
k is life acceleration factor, and it changes depending on
the condition of temperature and voltage. It is possible toestimate the life by calculating k under the actual condition.
As k and a differ depending on temperature, voltage andseries, contact our company for details. The upper limit oflife estimation is about 10 to 15 years in consideration of
aging degradation of sealing rubber. If you use electric
double layer capacitors exceeding the upper limit time, it
may occur rapid deterioration of the characteristics and leakthe electrolyte.

Fig-14 √t plot on life performance test

Please use our products based on the information
contained in the catalog and product specifications.

8How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors[Supplement]

As the power density increases, it will be more capable of1.

Measuring Method of Electrical Characteristics

1-1

Calculating Formula of Capacitance and Internal Resistanceproviding higher currents
2

Capacitance is calculated from voltage change and time at

1 U
Pdm =  R
4 RM

constant current discharge. The unit is farad (F).

Pdm

： Max output density [W/kg or W/L]UR

： Rated voltage [V]R：Actual internal resistance [Ω]M： Mass or volume [kg or L]

CapacitanceI  TmC= d
V1 − V2

・・・・・・・(1)・・・・・・・(3)Internal resistance is calculated from the voltage change, 1
second after the voltage is open circuited after achieving the

1-3

rated voltage, and the charging current. The unit is Ω.

DCIR

Energy Density
This is a max energy per mass or volume which can betaken from charged capacitors. The unit is Wh/kg or Wh/L.

V − Vn1
R= cIc

・・・・・・・(2)As the energy density increases, it will be possible toprovide the same power for longer times under the same

（T=1sec）

mass or volume.

1 C U R
1
E dm = 

2
M
3600
2

・・・・・・・(4)Edm： Energy density [Wh/kg or Wh/L]UR： Rated voltage [V]C：Actual capacitance [F]M： Mass or volume [kg or L]

Fig-1 Discharging curve and measurement range
2.

Ic： Charging current [A]Id： Discharging current [A] (*Ic=Id)

Tm： Measuring time [sec]Vc： Charging voltage [V]V1： First measuring voltage [V] (=Vn1)

V2： Final measuring voltage [V] (Vc / 2)

Modules
When operating voltage is higher than single cell rated
voltage, electric double layer capacitors can be connected
in series. When larger capacitance or lower resistance is

1-2

required, they can be connected in parallel.
connected capacitor cells are called modules.

Power Density
This is a max power per mass or volume which can be takenfrom charged capacitors.

The unit is W/kg or W/L.

Generally, it is calculated from internal resistance and rated
voltage.
Example of DLCAP module

9

These

How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
The specification formula and assembly notice for modules

Constant resistance discharging voltage

will be explained in this section.

(−t

V1＝V0･e CR
2-1

Calculating

Formulafor

Module𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟

・・・・・・・(5)Series number

Module operating voltage Vmod [V]𝑉𝑚𝑜𝑑 ＝ 𝑉𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 × 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟

・・・・・・・(6)Module internal resistance Rmod [Ω]𝑅mod ＝𝑅cell ×t： Discharging, charging time [sec]C： Capacitance [F]V0： Initial voltage, charging voltage [V]V1： Terminal voltage after t seconds [V]R： Load at constant resistance[Ω]Self-discharge or initial voltage drop due to internal

Series number

・・・・・・・(7)𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟

resistance should be considered depending on load
resistance and current.

Module IR drop ΔV [V]ΔV ＝I mod  Rmod

・・・・・・・(8)The following formula is used to convert energy unit.
Energy of the capacitors E [J]Module discharging time t [sec]t＝C mod ・・・・・・・(12)DesignModule Capacitance Cmod [F]𝐶mod ＝ 𝐶cell ×)(Vmod－ΔV －Ve )E=・・・・・・・(9)

I mod

CV 2
1 CV 2[J ] =･[Wh] ・・・(13)
2
3600
2

1Wh = 3600J = 3600Ws

・・・・・・・(14)1J = 0.239cal・・・・・・・(15)Vcell： Cell voltage [V]Ccell： Cell capacitance [F]Rcell： Cell internal resistance [Ω]Imod： Module discharging current [A]2-2Precautions in Assembling Modules

Ve： Module final discharging voltage [V]⚫

When connecting electric double layer capacitors in series,
please insert the voltage balancing circuit in parallel withThe

the capacitors to prevent voltage spread among them.

following formula is also used as a rough indication of

Certain spread can be expected even with the balancing

voltage and time in charging and discharging at constantcircuit, so please set some margin considering it.

Constant current is the premise for formula (9).

resistance.

Constant resistance discharging time t [sec]t = −CR ln(

V1
)
V0

・・・・・・・(10)Constant resistance charging voltage

V1＝V0 (1 − e

(

−t
)
CR

)

Case
1

・・・・・・・(11)Case 2

Fig-2 Example of balancing circuit

10

How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
If no prevention for voltage spread is done, voltage

2-3balances break up due to the different specification among

Calculation example of the number of capacitors incapacitors may cause an over voltage on some of theseries/parallel under the following condition

capacitors.
⚫

Module Calculation Examples[Operating Condition]

When connecting the capacitors using a conductive bar or・

Operating voltage range: 48 – 28V・Charging current: 120A (constant)・Discharging current: 120A (constant)in addition to the internal resistance of the capacitors.

・Charging time: 30sec.

Please be sure the torque is within the range which is・

DLCAP: rated voltage2.5V, capacitance1400F,

distributing cable, please discharge them in advance forsafety. Please consider the conductive resistance of theconnecting conductors or tightening torque for the screws

DCIR (typical)2.5mΩ

regulated in the technical specification sheet.
⚫

When using several capacitors connected in the devicecase,pleasetakefollowingmeasuresto[Calculation Example]

prevent①

overheating as needed.
①

operating voltage 48V, single capacitor voltage: 2.5V

Bore a hole in the case, or place radiating fins or a fan

48/2.5=19.2

to provide proper aeration.
②=> 20 capacitors in series

Do not place heat generating devices such as power②

semiconductors or transistors right under or near theparallel:

Design to make sure temperature spread among(total capacitance of the module) = 1400×2/20 =140F

capacitors is eliminated.
⚫

V=120×30/140=25.7V

As electric double layer capacitors are capacitors, theirdischarging voltage decreases.

In this case, the remaining voltage after discharge will

When constant output

be 48V-25.7V=22.3V, and it falls below the minimum

voltage is required, a circuit system such as converter isoperation voltage of 28V.

needed.
⚫

③

Please note that when the capacitors are open circuited

ΔV=120×30/210=17.1V

is also noted that although the voltage of the single

The remaining voltage after discharge will be 48V-

capacitor is low (2.5V), when connected in modules their
becomeshigher.

Whenassembling

three capacitors in parallel:(total capacitance of the module) = 1400×3/20=210F

after discharging to 0V, the voltage gradually increases*. It

voltageCalculate the voltage change (⊿V) after 30 second
discharge at 120A from 48V. two capacitors incapacitors.
③

Calculate the number of the capacitors in series. Max

17.1V=30.9V, and it satisfies 28V after discharging.

or④

disassembling the module, please discharge using aConsidering the voltage drop, IR drop, after
discharging due to DCIR,

controlled current or a resistive load. It is very dangerous(total DCIR of the module) = 0.0025 ×20/3=0.0167Ω

to directly short circuit the terminals of the charged

The discharging current is 120A,

capacitors because of large current flows.

(IR drop right after discharge) = 0.0167× 120=2V.

*Because each grain of activated carbon of the capacitor

The remaining voltage considering IR drop will be

has capacitance and resistance, capacitance with larger

30.9V-2V=28.9V, and it satisfies the minimum

resistance will appear later even after voltage becomes 0V

operating voltage of 28V.

apparently.

⇒ RESULT: 20 in series, 3 in parallel

11How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors(※)one example of the calculation is shown here. Pleaseconsider the following for the actual application:・The degradation degree of electric double
layer capacitors differs depending on
environmental and electrical conditions.
Please design considering the lifetime
under the operating condition.

・

Please design considering the resistanceof the connecting area.

・

Please design considering the effect on
self-discharge performance by voltage
balancing circuit or balance resistance.

・

Please design considering the rise intemperature when frequent chargedischarging is expected.

12How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors[Precaution Statement]
1.

c)Precautions in usepressure relief vent.

Please do not use electric double layer capacitors①

d)over the pressure relief vent or between theperformance range.

anode and cathode terminal of the capacitors.
e)Please avoid locating any heat sourcecomponents near the capacitors.

b) Over voltage (over rated voltage)c) Application of reverse or alternate voltagef)

To assure insulation voltage, please provide
adequate space among the capacitors’ case,

The outer sleeve and resin plate of the EDLC does

cathode terminal, anode terminal, circuit pattern

not assure electrical insulation.

and chassis.

Electric double layer capacitors have finite and③

Please do not locate any wire or circuit patternunder the environment, which exceeds the rateda) High temperature (over operating temperature)②

Please provide enough clearance space over theg)regulated life

Please note that electrical properties of thecapacitors may change according to the changes

Please do not use or store electric double layer④

in temperature and frequency of the capacitors.

capacitors under the following environment;h)a)Environment where the capacitors could besame system differs largely, it may amplify the

exposed to water, saltwater or oil, or theslight characteristic difference of each cell andenvironment which is filled with gaseous oil or

may cause the system to malfunction in the end.

salt.
b)

Please make sure to design the system with an

Environment which is filled with toxic gases such

adequate heat radiation to avoid variation inas hydrogen sulfide, sulfurous acid, chlorine,

temperature among the cells.

ammonia, bromine, or methyl bromide.
i)c)Environment where the capacitors could bea load test to confirm there is no abnormal heat

Environment where the capacitors could be

rise, and the temperature stays within the

exposed to direct sunlight, ozone, ultraviolet rays

capacitors’ specified temperature range.

or radiation.
j)
Please note the followings when designing;⑤
a)Please assure appropriate current balance whenconnecting two or more capacitors in parallel.

Please assemble the module with cell terminalsk)upward. Do not mount electric double layer

Please assure appropriate voltage balance whenconnecting two or more capacitors in series.

capacitors with terminals facing downward orl)sideways as the electrolyte inside the capacitors

In case of use outside of specification, such as
overvoltage and/or above specified temperature

may block pressure release vent and cause it torange, the electrolyte fume from inside may

open, electrolyte to leak, and shorten lifetime.
b)

When heat increase is expected due to charging
and discharging of the capacitors, please conduct

exposed to acidic or alkaline solvent.
d)When the temperature among the capacitors in a

expelled through releasing valve. Please take

Please keep the sealing plate facing upwardthat in consideration at the time of system design.

whenever handling the capacitors. Facing itm)downward even for a brief time may shorten

Please establish safety design such as stopping
charge /discharge in case of abnormal

lifetime.

temperature and voltage. Applying voltage thatexceeds rated voltage frequently may cause the13How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
devices to smoke or burn Please design then)⑬system with fail-safe functions.

generate excessive heat or a foul smell.

As the capacitors have internal resistance, theIn case of excessive heat, do not get close to theinternal heat generated by charge-dischargepart in order to avoid injury.

affectso)⑭

the area sufficiently when the safety vent on theresistance and make sure to avoid overheat of

capacitors operates and releases a gas from inside.

the capacitor.

Never expose your face or your hand as hot gas

Due to the capacitors’ internal resistance, there ismay expel. If the gas is inhaled or hits eyes, pleasea voltage drop (also referred to as "IR drop") atwash your eyes, gargle, and consult with a doctor

the beginning of charge-discharge. Please

immediately. Do not lick the electrolyte of theconsider this voltage drop in your circuit design.

capacitors. Wash away the electrolyte from the skinwith soap and water.

output terminals could cause the electric current to

⑦

⑮

⑨

⑩

⑪

The capacitors may have been spontaneously

flow as high as a few hundred amperes. Please dorecharged with time by a recovery voltage

not install or uninstall a module when it is charged.

phenomenon. Discharge the capacitors as

Please do not drop the capacitors. Do not use it

necessary especially before connecting multiple

once it is dropped.

capacitors in series.

Please make sure of the polarity when assembling⑧

Please stop the system immediately and ventilate

its life. Please choose the products with low

When a capacitor is fully charged, short-circuiting the⑥

Please stop the whole system when the capacitors⑯

Please discharge the capacitors before assembling

the capacitors into a module.

or removing. There is a risk of large current flow andPlease follow the specification of the screw

electrical shock when short circuiting the terminal

tightening torque.

with residual voltage. Note that the capacitors may

Please do not deform the capacitors whenbe self-charged while being left open circuit evenassembling them into a module.

after fully discharged.

Voltage of the capacitor changes in proportion to the⑰

Do not wash the capacitors.

stored energy. If stable output voltage is required,⑱

Do not use any adhesive or coating materials

circuit system such as converter needs to be added.

containing halogenated solvents.

When using the capacitors for industrial application,⑫

following periodical check is recommended. Please2.

disconnect power from the device and fullya)①

When exporting electric double layer capacitors,

discharge the capacitors before conducting

fumigation process may be required for export inperiodical check.

some countries. Please note that some types ofAppearance: Significant damage in appearance

fumigation process which uses halogenated ions

including deformation, liquid leakage, discolor,may cause corrosion on the capacitors’ material.

dust between the terminals and stain.
b)

Precautions in transportation②

Due to the Export Trade Control Ordinance, theElectrical characteristics: Characteristics

documents obtained to the exporter concerning thatprescribed in the catalog or productexport trade, with information that the product is

specifications.

being used for developing mass destruction

14

How to Use Electric Double Layer Capacitors
weapons, the exporter will have to apply and hand in

③

④

4.

Precautions in disposal

the export permission from the Ministry of Industrial

Please discharge the electricity to safety voltage before

Trade and Industry.

disposal.

During transportation of the capacitors, please makePlease follow the laws or regulations at the place ofsure to place its terminal upward to avoid electrolyte

disposal.

leakage.

Please drill or crash the part before incineration.

Transport operations of the capacitors has beenchanged in line with the revision of "ThePlease refer to the following report before using electric

Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous

double layer capacitors.

Goods" adopted by the United Nations in December
2010. Please confirm the latest information of theJapan Electronics and Information Technology Industries

followings as well as laws of each country.

Association, JEITA RCR-2370C- United Nations (UN) Recommendations on the"Safety Application Guide for electric double layer

Transport of Dangerous Goods-Model Regulations.

capacitors- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)(Guideline of notabilia for electric double layer capacitors)"

Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport ofJapan Electronics and Information Technology Industries

Dangerous Goods by Air.

Association- International Air Transport Association (IATA)“Guidelines of the transport of fixed electric double-layer

Dangerous Goods Regulations.

capacitors for use in electric and electronic equipment”- International Maritime Organization (IMO) IMDG
(International Maritime Dangerous Goods) -code.

3.

Precautions in storage①

Please store electric double layer capacitors attemperature between 5℃～35℃ and humidity lessthan 75％. Please avoid an environment with drastic②

temperature change which could damage the

How to Use Electric Double Layer

product.

Capacitors

If the capacitors have been stored for long periods ofThis document is subject to change without noticetime, it may appear to have high leakage current.

Dec. 1st, 2020

Voltage treatment is recommended when theSales Promotion Dept.

capacitors are stored for more than one year.

, Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation

For voltage treatment, please charge at 5mA/F up to
the rated voltage, and then keep applying rated
voltage for about 20 hours.

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