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	Introduction     Database      Technologies    Projects     Calendar     Discussions     Contact & Links     Imprint & Disclaimer     Sitemap	go back to technology list       previous technology  next technology     Double-layer capacitors (storage technology)  evaluated   Double-layer capacitors (also termed "supercapacitors" or "ultracapacitors") store energy in the electric field of an electrochemical double-layer. The use of high surface-area electrodes results in an extremely large capacitance. The power and energy densities make capacitors an option for brake energy storage in rail vehicles. Technology field: Regenerative braking and energy management General information   Description General criteria   Status of development: test series   Time horizon for broad application: 5 - 10 years   Expected technological development: highly dynamic   Benefits (other than environmental): not applicable   Barriers: medium   Applicability for railway segments: medium     Type of traction:  electric - DC     Type of transportation:  passenger - regional lines, passenger - suburban lines     Grade of diffusion into railway markets:   Diffusion into relevant segment of fleet: 0 %   Share of newly purchased stock: 0 %   Market potential (railways): low Environmental criteria   Impacts on energy efficiency:   Energy efficiency potential for single vehicle: > 10%   Energy efficiency potential throughout fleet: not applicable   Other environmental impacts: neutral Economic criteria   Vehicle - fix costs: high   Vehicle - running costs: significant reduction   Infrastructure - fix costs: not applicable   Infrastructure - running costs: not applicable   Scale effects: high   Amortisation: not applicable Application outside railway sector   Status of development outside railway sector: prototype   Time horizon for broad application outside railway sector: in 5 - 10 years   Expected technological development outside railway sector: highly dynamic   Market potential outside railway sector: medium Overall rating   Overall potential: very promising   Time horizon: mid-term References / Links:  Avart, Chabas 2001;  Caputo 2000;  Charvet 2001;  Hennig, Stephanblome 2000;  Kötz, Carlen 2000;  Schneuwly et al. 2002 Attachments: Related projects:  Studies performed on energy storage systems;  THALES: hybrid tram train with on-board ultracapacitors Contact persons:  date created: 2002-10-09     © UIC - International Union of Railways 2003			Your contribution    add technology  Views of this page    show overview    show evaluation    show details  Print options    print data sheet    print screen  Help    Evaluation briefing    Technology list     French - German