Fun with Ultracapacitors

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
My eyes totally tricked my brain in to thinking this thread's title was "Fun with Velociraptors". So while I am still somewhat disappointed, that was a pretty rad video.
 

eLiu

Diamond Member
Jun 4, 2001
6,407
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My eyes totally tricked my brain in to thinking this thread's title was "Fun with Velociraptors". So while I am still somewhat disappointed, that was a pretty rad video.

If anyone who reads this thread goes on to teach students about capacitors, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE relabel them as velociraptors. AWESOME.
 

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
25,074
4
0
"Wow, that beaver really took a pounding" :D

that was both very informative and very interesting to watch :thumbsup:
 
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Rubycon

Madame President
Aug 10, 2005
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Yes much safer than using ultra low impedance Pb cells (Gates cyclon) even though the mfr claims (the cells) can take it.

Even so ultra low ESR caps can really crank the current!

The biggest mistake I see in this video even with the single cap was his wire gauge was way too small. Granted it's harder to handle 0 gauge welding cable in your hands the sparks (and destruction) would have been ridiculous if his cables were larger. (particularly at 10V!)

100 of these in series would be able to do some serious damage. It would take a long time to charge (need to rectify AC mains with current limiting). Dumping that into a huge coil would probably send a formidable slug at terrifying speeds. :awe:
 

Rubycon

Madame President
Aug 10, 2005
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Higher voltage allows for more interesting things...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj1pkyCL75E&

Imagine what that would do if those wires were clipped to the pinnas of ears? :eek:

That's just a little bit more energy than the bank in the OP but at much higher voltage...

1000 ultra low ESR caps in series would probably turn a wiener (hot dog you pervs!) into a meaty grenade, for example.
 

gar3555

Diamond Member
Jan 8, 2005
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we made one of these in the office for shits and giggles. It is fun to cut pop cans and stuff up with it.

2010-12-15_09-38-11_633.jpg
 

Rubycon

Madame President
Aug 10, 2005
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Those for automotive amps?
How resistant are they to abuse, i.e. crowbar across terminals? :biggrin:
 

gar3555

Diamond Member
Jan 8, 2005
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Those for automotive amps?
How resistant are they to abuse, i.e. crowbar across terminals? :biggrin:

They are, and it is just for playing around in the office...I wouldn't recommend any heavy prying with them :p.
 

SlitheryDee

Lifer
Feb 2, 2005
17,252
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So what would happen if you wired those to say...a doorknob and a metal plate on the floor of a room in which people usually walk barefooted?
 

LordMorpheus

Diamond Member
Aug 14, 2002
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So what would happen if you wired those to say...a doorknob and a metal plate on the floor of a room in which people usually walk barefooted?

Nasty shock, but your skin resistance should be high enough that you wouldn't get a dangerous dose of current from a 10V source, no matter how small the source impedance.
 

Rubycon

Madame President
Aug 10, 2005
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So what would happen if you wired those to say...a doorknob and a metal plate on the floor of a room in which people usually walk barefooted?

You would not even feel it.

HOWEVER if an ignitor was used to set up current flow (like a trigger) it may be possible to initiate extreme current flow but skin resistance is the biggest obstacle to overcome. Ten volts is simply not enough pressure to do it on its own. This is why you can put a 9V battery on your arm and not feel a thing. Put it on your tongue, however; and you will feel it!