QynCap Energy Storage Device for Airborne Directed Energy Weapons

Qynergy proposes to design/build an innovative asymmetric ultracapacitor (QynCap) to provide energy storage for Navy aircraft pulse power applications. These devices will improve the Warfighting ability of fighter aircraft by enabling the use of laser-based weapon systems. The QynCap will contain a nickel oxy-hydroxide cathode and a high surface area carbon anode immersed in an aqueous electrolyte. The use of a battery electrode (nickel oxy-hydroxide) allows for a higher capacitance per weight and volume than traditional ultracapacitors. Ultracapacitors in general and QynCaps specifically are known for their high power density, high cycle life (ability to charge and discharge many times) and fast recharge time. For this application, the QynCap is superior to lithium-ion batteries for a variety of reasons. The QynCap operates well over a wide temperature range (-40°C to +71°C), utilizes environmentally friendly substances (i.e. nickel, carbon, KOH) versus dangerous Li+ ion compounds, is not subject to thermal runaway if overcharged and does not require thermal management. Because the QynCap is an ultracapacitor, it can be charged and discharged over 100,000 times and be properly sized to provide the power required.