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

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 environments. This project will develop high temperature capacitors by using a new type of temperature-compensating nanocomposite dielectrics. The approach will be based on the use of materials with a positive temperature coefficient of dielectric constant, and a particular design for the composite microstructure. Phase I demonstrated dielectrics with less than 14% reduction in dielectric constant over a range from room temperature to 300oC, with relatively low dielectric loss and high resistivity. During Phase II, manufacturing formulations and processes for high-temperature capacitors will be developed and optimized, and the performance the capacitors will be assessed through actual application testing. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new capacitors should have application in 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. Many military systems need high-temperature capacitors to perform properly, reliably, and safely.