MIT's Nano Storage Could Replace Hybrid Batteries

mattnyc99 writes "Last week we discussed Popular Mechanics' reporting from MIT, but missed one of the coolest breakthrough of all, something scientists have been working on quietly as Detroit spends money elsewhere. The Lab for Electromagnetic and Electronic Systems has been doing some mega-efficient work with ultracapacitors, which store drastically less energy than a battery but have essentially none of the drawbacks — especially via carbon nanotube arrays. Automotive experts say the new research is enough to start replacing batteries in hybrid cars, and plug-in vehicles might not be far behind. From the scientist who thinks ultracapacitors are potential competitors for the pack in his Toyota Prius: 'I try to contain myself, because it hasn't been proven yet, but it could be a real paradigm change.'"

Re:Did anybody elses Science Teacher

[The Ancients]

leave charged capacitors on the parts shelf to reinforce the "Don't Touch" rule?

No. I think yours just had it in for you. You should've left the lithium where it was....

Re:Did anybody elses Science Teacher

[Anonymous Coward]

Mine did, but not on purpose. He just left one too close to the Van De Graff generator. Ruined a perfectly good digital watch I had, but I didn't get sent to the principals office for my Atomic F-Bomb.

Re:Did anybody elses Science Teacher

[eln]

Those were for my lunch, you insensitive clod!

Re:Ka Booooooom!!!

[fahrbot-bot]

If anything pierces the dielectric, all the energy stored in the capacitor will discharge violently in milliseconds.

I hear something like this happens with condoms too.

Re:Paradigm?

[HTH NE1]

paradigm change

Change for a pair of dimes

See also "nickel and dime you to death".

Re:Ka Booooooom!!!

[Anonymous Coward]

Well you are posting on slashdot, so you'll never know.

I dunno guys

[JudgeFurious]

I'm sticking with my 2006 GTO with the 6.0 V8 engine. Yeah it gets lousy mileage but I figure that if I go places really, really fast then I'm not polluting for as long as all those other people. Plus I'm helping to get rid of all that messy oil. As soon as that stuff is all used up we'll see real progress towards an alternative.

I'm doing it FOR the planet.

Re:Capacitors have drawbacks too

[thisissilly]

Modern switched mode power converters can do a good job.

Y'know, I was thinking about going into Tosche Station to pick up some of those...

Re:Capacitors have drawbacks too

[Anonymous Coward]

your stupidity?