BUFFER CAP
Capacitor buffer module
A capacitor buffer module stores energy for a documented short supply-interruption duty.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · SC
Supercapacitor bank
A series-parallel array of double-layer capacitor cells storing energy for very fast, short-duration power delivery.
In plain English
What does Supercapacitor bank mean?
A supercapacitor bank uses electric double-layer capacitor cells, each rated at only a few volts, connected in series strings to reach a useful DC voltage. It can charge and discharge at very high current for hundreds of thousands of cycles, but stores far less energy than a battery of similar size.
A simple example
Drawings use a polarised capacitor symbol repeated or annotated with the series and parallel cell count, together with a balancing circuit and a DC/DC converter. In microgrids the bank smooths fast power fluctuations, supports converter DC links or covers the gap before a generator starts.
What the drawings help you do
Supercapacitor voltage falls linearly as energy is drawn out, so usable energy depends on the converter minimum voltage. The symbol does not show cell balancing, temperature limits or the converter range needed to extract the stored energy.
This particular reference
A series-parallel array of double-layer capacitor cells storing energy for very fast, short-duration power delivery. A supercapacitor bank delivers short high-power bursts; a battery bank delivers lower power for much longer.
- DC
- Direct current: electricity flowing in one direction.
- Rating
- A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: Capacitive component symbols · DC UPS, AC UPS and capacitor buffer modules
SLD / Schematic · SC
What it represents
A supercapacitor bank uses electric double-layer capacitor cells, each rated at only a few volts, connected in series strings to reach a useful DC voltage. It can charge and discharge at very high current for hundreds of thousands of cycles, but stores far less energy than a battery of similar size.
Drawings use a polarised capacitor symbol repeated or annotated with the series and parallel cell count, together with a balancing circuit and a DC/DC converter. In microgrids the bank smooths fast power fluctuations, supports converter DC links or covers the gap before a generator starts.
Supercapacitor voltage falls linearly as energy is drawn out, so usable energy depends on the converter minimum voltage. The symbol does not show cell balancing, temperature limits or the converter range needed to extract the stored energy.
How to read it
- Check the series cell count and the balancing method.
- Usable energy depends on the voltage window, not the full rated voltage.
Information to show or reference
- State rated voltage, capacitance and string arrangement.
- Show balancing and the DC/DC converter.
- Reference minimum operating voltage.
A distinction that matters
A supercapacitor bank delivers short high-power bursts; a battery bank delivers lower power for much longer.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Capacitive component symbols
Public capacitive component symbol family context.
DC UPS, AC UPS and capacitor buffer modules
Public capacitor buffer and DC backup function context.
About this graphic
This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.
SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.
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