Very high current power supply (2012)

Re:Very high current power supply (2012) by ragerino on Wednesday July 10, 2019 @07:01AM (#20400799)

I recommend looking into so called Super Capacitors or Ultra Capacitors. They are widely used where a quick and high initial load (power)is required.

AFAIK super capacitors are used for backup power systems and electric car batteries. I think I hear that Tesla battery packs have super capacitors to protect those Litium cells from getting damaged during short high load needs.

I am currently planning a small hobby project where I want to build a small autonomous sensor station using ESP32 and LORA, powered with solar cells using super capacitors as energy buffer charged through a buck boost converter with simple MPPT functionality.

A protection circuit in front of you appliance is mandatory since super capacitors can unleash high loads for a short period of time. I use here a second buck-boost converter which outputs constantly 3.3 volts for the ESP32 board and sensors.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Very high current power supply (2012) by nickpsecurity on Wednesday July 10, 2019 @08:42AM (#20401392)

My favorite use would be rail guns. Cuz they're awesome. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKEaDhDTciQ

Some are funnier than they are awesome:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAs9EHtKfVc

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Very high current power supply (2012) by rubidium on Wednesday July 10, 2019 @09:19AM (#20401648)

I've worked at a much smaller scale then those (12" length), but yes capacitors are very fun.

I used a screwdriver taped to a meter stick to complete the circuit : )

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Very high current power supply (2012) by mindcrime on Wednesday July 10, 2019 @10:47AM (#20402457)

My interest in all this started largely from a (currently stalled out) initiative to build a coil gun. Cuz they're also awesome. :-)

[ Parent | on HN ]