nwboater
Senior Member
I've been reading about super capacitors used for starting (cranking) heavy equipment, like diesel truck and tractor engines and commercial generators. They do not "store" power like conventional batteries but are most effective at delivering high energy for short bursts. They are light weight, relatively petite compared to 4-D or group 31 type marine batteries, and can be fully recharged in minutes when connected to a standard battery. So the thought occurred to me that a super capacitor might find good uses in marine applications.
For example, in my Selene, I have two 12V G31 batteries combined to run the Side-Power stern thruster, plus separate starting batteries for the main engine and the generator. Those batteries, boxes and heavy power cables take up a lot of valuable floor space in the engine room. I'm thinking that a single 24V super capacitor measuring 16"x3" and weighing less than 12 lbs would deliver more than enough amps (900 CCA) to power the thruster; and that a single 12V super capacitor could crank over the 5.9 Cummins main and the 8kW generator. Super capacitors are being produced and sold by Maxwell (in the form of a Group 31 battery) and by Polar Power. Is anyone on the forum using a super capacitor for engine starting? What do folks think about this concept?
For example, in my Selene, I have two 12V G31 batteries combined to run the Side-Power stern thruster, plus separate starting batteries for the main engine and the generator. Those batteries, boxes and heavy power cables take up a lot of valuable floor space in the engine room. I'm thinking that a single 24V super capacitor measuring 16"x3" and weighing less than 12 lbs would deliver more than enough amps (900 CCA) to power the thruster; and that a single 12V super capacitor could crank over the 5.9 Cummins main and the 8kW generator. Super capacitors are being produced and sold by Maxwell (in the form of a Group 31 battery) and by Polar Power. Is anyone on the forum using a super capacitor for engine starting? What do folks think about this concept?
Last edited: