Maintenance-Free Smart Power Source

75174-Remote sensing, needed for the detection and monitoring of nuclear facilities, depends upon reliable and renewable energy sources. However, today¿s energy storage systems are the weakest link in power electronic systems, due to their low-volumetric efficiency and the limited temperature range of the energy storage materials. This project will develop a maintenance-free, smart power system using high-volumetric-efficiency capacitors with higher reliability and lower cost, as well as the broad temperature capability required for DOE systems. The capacitor will utilize an innovative nanostructure interface dielectric material, which will have a permittivity that is 10 times better than currently available thin film materials. Phase I will involve the comprehensive development of nanostructure interface materials and the fabrication of the high-volumetric-efficiency capacitors. A maintenance-free smart power system will be demonstrated by integrating the power capacitor and other energy source with electronic control circuitry. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The maintenance-free smart power system should greatly benefit DOE¿s energy and power management technologies and remote sensing mission. High energy density capacitors made from the revolutionary nanostructured dielectric materials also should find a wide range of power applications, including electric vehicles, computers, pacemakers and defibrillators, actuators, DC/AC inverters, remote sensing power supply, and pulse forming systems.