India's first supercapacitor manufacturing plant is set to be launched in Kerala's Kannur on 1 October in the Keltron Component Complex.
Published Sep 29, 2024 | 8:00 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 29, 2024 | 8:13 PM
Industries Minister Rajeev P Chandrasekhar and representative image of supercapacitor
India is set to witness a significant milestone in electronics manufacturing with the inauguration of the country’s first supercapacitor manufacturing plant in Kerala’s Kannur.
Scheduled to begin operations on Tuesday, 1 October, this state-of-the-art facility is established under the auspices of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) at the Keltron Component Complex.
The plant aims to produce world-class supercapacitors locally, catering to a variety of sectors, including the Indian defence sector, electric vehicles, and space missions.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will preside over the inauguration of an event scheduled for Tuesday at 9.30 am at the Keltron Component Complex Limited in Kannur. The event will feature the attendance of MLA M Vijin, Industry Principal Secretary APM Muhammed Haneesh, and District Panchayat President PP Divya, among others.
This gathering will highlight the government’s commitment to promoting advanced manufacturing capabilities within the state, with Industries Minister P Rajeev overseeing the proceedings.
I’m excited to share that India’s first super capacitor manufacturing center will open in Kerala on October 1. Located at the Keltron Components Complex, this PSU initiative will enable us to produce up to 2,000 super capacitors daily for crucial sectors like defense, electric… pic.twitter.com/pzEepjXNhI
— P Rajeev (@PRajeevOfficial) September 29, 2024
The initial phase of production has already been completed, focusing on assembling imported machinery. With an impressive production capacity of up to 2,000 supercapacitors per day, the plant is poised to make a notable impact on the market.
The financial outlook is equally promising, with projections estimating an annual turnover of ₹22 crore by the fourth year of operation and anticipated annual profits of ₹3 crore.
The project has been initiated with a total investment of ₹42 crore, of which ₹18 crore has already been allocated for the first phase. A noteworthy feature of this phase is the construction of a specialised drying room, which was developed at a cost of ₹4 crore, along with the installation of more than 11 advanced machines imported from various countries.
Supercapacitors, also known as ultra-capacitors or electric double-layer capacitors, are a groundbreaking technology characterised by their exceptional capacitance levels, far exceeding those of conventional capacitors.
They offer rapid charging and discharging capabilities, which are crucial in various applications, ranging from electric vehicles to advanced aerospace technologies. The ability of supercapacitors to store energy up to a hundred times more than traditional electrolytic capacitors makes them invaluable in modern electronic systems.
One of the primary advantages of supercapacitors is their longevity, they can endure significantly more charge and discharge cycles compared to conventional rechargeable batteries.
This makes them an ideal choice for applications where rapid energy storage and release are essential, such as in regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles, energy storage in renewable energy systems, and emergency backup systems.
Keltron has established a strong presence in the defense sector, having collaborated with prestigious organisations such as ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), and CMET (Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology).
The technical cooperation from ISRO for this project underscores its strategic importance in the defense and aerospace sectors. This collaboration not only enhances the credibility of the plant but also positions it at the forefront of technological innovation.
The applications of supercapacitors are extensive and span a diverse range of industries. In the automotive sector, they are increasingly being used in electric vehicles, where they provide quick bursts of energy for acceleration and regenerative braking.
In the renewable energy sector, supercapacitors play a vital role in energy storage systems, helping to stabilise the supply and manage energy distribution. They are also instrumental in energy meters and inverters, which are essential components in the smart grid and home energy management systems.
The ability to tailor supercapacitors for specific power requirements—from milli-watt to hundreds of kilowatt demands—enables industries to design customised solutions that meet their unique operational needs.
Supercapacitors are constructed using activated carbon electrodes combined with organic electrolytes, which provide numerous structural advantages. The high surface area of activated carbon allows for greater energy storage capacity, while the organic electrolytes facilitate safe and efficient energy transfer.
Unlike conventional batteries that may require complex designs, supercapacitors can be developed using straightforward manufacturing processes, leading to cost savings and enhanced reliability.
This initiative positions the plant as a vital contributor to the Indian electronics manufacturing ecosystem. By producing supercapacitors locally, India can reduce its dependence on imports, strengthen its supply chains, and promote indigenous innovation. Moreover, the facility is expected to create job opportunities, boost local economies, and foster skill development in advanced manufacturing technologies.
The emergence of supercapacitors represents a crucial development in bridging the gap between traditional batteries and capacitors. While batteries excel in energy density, supercapacitors offer superior power density and cycle life. This unique combination of characteristics allows them to serve as an essential link in various applications, effectively complementing batteries and enhancing overall system performance.
In transportation, supercapacitors are instrumental in supporting electric and hybrid vehicles, providing the necessary power for rapid acceleration and regenerative braking. In consumer electronics, they enable longer-lasting devices with quicker charging times.
Additionally, in defense applications, supercapacitors can power equipment that requires high bursts of energy, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
As India continues to advance its technological capabilities, the successful operation of this plant will not only bolster local manufacturing but also pave the way for future innovations in energy storage and electronic components. This initiative signifies a step forward in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in advanced manufacturing technologies.
(Edited by Neena)
