Novel Pulsed Power Film Capacitors with Ultrahigh Energy Density and High Reliability

Capacitors are critical components in pulsed power systems for radio frequency accelerator technology. However, current capacitors have a number of limitations: (1) low energy density, (2) large size (they occupy 30-50% volume of the power electronics devices), and (3) difficulty in delivering the very high current at the fast rise/fall time required by the high power RF devices. This project will develop prototype film capacitors with high dielectric constant and high breakdown strength. The capacitors will combine ultrahigh energy density, self-healing feature, and low-cost commercial manufacturability. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardeeThe highly reliable, low cost, ultrahigh-energy density film capacitors should enable the miniaturization of many power electronic devices. Potential applications include capacitors for hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles, high power strobe lights, defibrillators, and uninterruptible power supplies