Power density is the amount of power (time rate of energy transfer) per unit volume.[1]
In energy transformers including batteries, fuel cells, motors, etc., and also power supply units or similar, power density refers to a volume. It is then also called volume power density, which is expressed as W/m3.
In reciprocating internal combustion engines, power density--power per swept volume or brake horsepower per cubic centimeter --is an important metric. This is based on the internal capacity of the engine, not its external size.
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Storage material | Energy type | Specific power (W/kg) | Power density (W/m3) |
---|---|---|---|
Hydrogen (in star) | Stellar fusion | 0.00184 | 276.5 |
Plutonium | Alpha decay | 1.94 | 38,360 |
Supercapacitors | Capacitance | up to 15000 | Variable |
Lithium-Ion | Chemical | ~250-350 | ~700 |
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