Electrochemical Capacitor Power Support System

Submarine combat systems have power support systems to carry them through temporary electrical supply outages caused by switching between unparalleled ac power sources. A simper, lighter, more reliable, and less expensive power supply is desired. Support systems based on capacitive energy storage are attractive for this application. They are power-rich, simple, reliable, safe, quiet, and maintenance-free. The goal of the proposed effort is to establish the feasibility of double-layer capacitor technology for the power support system. In Phase I, a single capacitor will be designed that delivers 15 kW average power for 0.1 seconds. It will have a sealed package, be capable of 15- to 120-V operation via external buss connections, and have a volume less than 1 cubic foot. One capacitor will be constructed per this design. Its performance will be measured and compared with the design goals. The capacitor will be delivered to the Navy for further evaluations. Successful completion of the proposed Phase I activity will yield a simple and reliable breadboard power system. It will be capable of delivering one-fifth the power specified for the eventual power support system.