[GSlob]

If you accidentally short a nicad, it will become pretty hot from releasing its energy over few minutes. If this capacitor holds as much energy as a nicad, and develops a catastrophic leak or is shorted, the same energy will be released in a small fraction of a second, with explosion.

[Lexinom]

Yep, I've done it :-) I also had an old 25,000 microfarad capacitor that I used to entertain friends as a "reusable firecracker."

The point I was making was political in nature, that there are powerful interests at work which could be threatened by a super efficient, high output-to-weight ratio energy source.

[js1138]

If you accidentally short a nicad, it will become pretty hot from releasing its energy over few minutes. If this capacitor holds as much energy as a nicad, and develops a catastrophic leak or is shorted, the same energy will be released in a small fraction of a second, with explosion.

Maybe someone will invent the fuse before it's too late.

Seriously, such a device will be self fusing. Carbon won't carry much current. The problem with batteries is the chemicals that splatter when they explode.

[bkepley]

--If this capacitor holds as much energy as a nicad, and develops a catastrophic leak or is shorted, the same energy will be released in a small fraction of a second, with explosion.--

Gasoline is also explosive. I imagine if it works they will include methods of protection.

[Lee'sGhost]

"If you accidentally short a nicad, it will become pretty hot from releasing its energy over few minutes. If this capacitor holds as much energy as a nicad, and develops a catastrophic leak or is shorted, the same energy will be released in a small fraction of a second, with explosion."

Cool!

[AFreeBird]

I recently got involved in the R/C hobbies, electric Helo's to be exact. The new LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries (loads better than NiCad and NiMH) come with very explicit warnings.

DO NOT let cell voltage get below 3 volts per cell under load; do not overcharge or charge at too high a rate (1.32A for a 3 cell 1320mAh batt.), and DO NOT short(!) among other warnings and percautions

Fire and explosion can result.

Great batteries otherwise. Light and powerfull.