Nanostructured Dielectrics for High-Temperature Capacitors

Space operation places extra physical and structural demands on the power components, including capacitors. Nanostructured dielectrics offer the opportunity to tailor the dielectric material on the nanometer scale to provide tremendous improvements in electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, and enable high-temperature, high-energy-density, and high-voltage capacitors. In this project, the team of Thermosolv and Arizona State University targets the development of novel ceramic dielectrics with the unique nanostructured architecture comprised of closely packed parallel one-dimensional chains of dipoles. The proposed structure will realize dramatic enhancements in dielectric constant (by orders of magnitude) in comparison with conventional dielectrics, while preserving high voltage breakthrough strength and low dielectric losses. Such a large leap in performance, in combination with the robust, reproducible, and manufacturable structure, will enable high-energy-density, high-power, thermally stable, and long-lived capacitors for energy storage and power conditioning. Phase I work will demonstrate feasibility of the technology by fabricating and testing capacitor prototypes utilizing novel nanodielectrics.

High-temperature capacitors for energy storage and power conditioning in Power Management and Distribution systems.

Commercial applications are numerous and include energy storage and power conditioning for the energy back-up systems, sustainable energy systems utilizing renewable intermittent energy sources, power electronics, transportation, and telecommunications systems.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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