High-Temperature Ceramic Capacitors for Applications in Deep Drilling and Completion Processes

79084S In deep drilling and completion processes, a central challenge to both the sensor system and the data transmission system is the lack of high-temperature electronic components. An important component common to all electronics is capacitors. For electronics used in deep drilling and completion, the capacitor must be able to work downhole, in high temperature and high pressure environments. This project will develop high temperature capacitors from nanocomposite ceramic dielectrics, based on a novel material design concept. Phase I will use a new nanometer-scale material, having high positive TCK, confined in the matrix of a regular high-k dielectric material with negative TCK, to attain stability of the dielectric properties of the composite over a wide temperature range. A sol-gel process will be used to prepare the nanocomposite dielectric powder, from which high temperature capacitors will be fabricated. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Capacitors are used in nearly every commercial, industrial, and military system that consumes electrical power. Capacitors also are used in all consumer electronics, medical electronics including defibrillators, automotive electronics including electric vehicles, and electric utilities. High temperature applications include aircraft engine ignition systems and electrical actuation, NASA¿s deep space power systems, and under-the-hood automotive applications.