# Supercapacitor bank

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/supercapacitor-bank
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: SC
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

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.

### Terms

- 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.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Capacitive component symbols](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-74580D46-0731-41A6-918D-2DB419114207.htm)
- [DC UPS, AC UPS and capacitor buffer modules](https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-gb/products/uninterruptible-power-supplies-ups)


## 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.

## Important distinction

A supercapacitor bank delivers short high-power bursts; a battery bank delivers lower power for much longer.

## Facts

- Storage form: Electrostatic, double-layer
- Voltage profile: Falls linearly with discharge
- Cycle life: Very high
- Preview: Independent educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Capacitive component symbols](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-74580D46-0731-41A6-918D-2DB419114207.htm) — Autodesk. Public capacitive component symbol family context.
- [DC UPS, AC UPS and capacitor buffer modules](https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-gb/products/uninterruptible-power-supplies-ups) — Phoenix Contact. Public capacitor buffer and DC backup function context.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.