Power density
Power density | |
---|---|
SI unit | W/m3 |
In SI base units | kg·m−1s−3 |
Derivations from other quantities | P/V |
Power density is the amount of power (time rate of energy transfer) per unit volume.
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.
Examples
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (July 2015) |
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 |
See also
- Surface power density, energy per unit of area
- Energy density, energy per unit volume
- Specific energy, energy per unit mass
- Power-to-weight ratio/specific power, power per unit mass
- Specific absorption rate (SAR)