Nanodielectrics Dielectrics for High Power Capacitors

Future power conditioning, control electronics and directed energy weapons will require significant energy storage for a wide range of power applications. Systems will depend on capacitors to deliver high current and high voltage under repetition. In order to find practical embodiment on mobile platforms, significant advances in compact power sources will be required. In response this need, TPL has established unique capabilities in the area of dielectrics. Revolutionary materials and processes have been identified for power sources with significant size and weight reductions. The technology is based on novel nanocomposite structures with a combination of high dielectric constant, high dielectric strength and unique mechanical and thermal properties. It is projected that the material technology will allow for capacitance power with an order of magnitude increase in energy density over current technology. The proposed program is directed at establishing the baseline performance characteristics of five uniquely different nanocomposite dielectric systems relative to Air Force applications. Detailed material characterization and theoretical material modeling will be used to support atomistic phenomenon with macro scale properties. It is anticipated that the result from the Phase I effort will establish the necessary groundwork for the fabrication prototype capacitors and pulse generators.