Electrochemical Super Capacitors for Electromechanical Actuators

A limitation of the typical electrochemical capacitor is the maximum available power and energy density, and an improvement in capacitance per unit weight and volume is needed. Giner, Inc. proposes development of a solid-ionomer electrochemical capacitor having a unit cell capacitance greater than 2 F/cm2 and a repeating element thickness of 6 mils or less. This capacitor could provide high current pulses for electromechanical actuation (EMA). Primary project objectives are to develop high-capacitance particulates, to increase capacitor gravimetric and volumetric energy densities above baseline, and to fabricate a 25 V, 250 watt capacitor with a repeating element thickness of 6 mils or less. Specific EMA applications will be identified and capacitor weight and volume projections made.