TechConnect Innovator Spotlight:

TechConnect World Innovation Conference
May 14 - 17, 2017, Washington DC

Solid-State Ultracapacitor for Improved Energy Storage, NASA Technology Transfer Program


TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a solid-state ultracapacitor using a novel nanocomposite, dielectric material. The materials design is based on the internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) concept, and it uses novel dielectric and metallic conductive ink formulations.

Primary Application Area: Other

Technology Development Status: Prototype

 

TECHNOLOGY DETAILS:

The NASA solid-state ultracapacitor technology is based on the novel materials design and processes used to make the IBLC-type ultracapacitor. The IBLC concept is known to provide outstanding capacitance behavior but has been difficult to reproduce. NASA has developed a careful process to produce dielectric ink materials to be used in printed electronic applications with reproducibility. An individual cell is created by building electrodes on each side of the dielectric layer, and complete modules can be constructed by stacking multiple cells. Closely related NASA innovations on dielectric and conductive ink (electrode) formulations are key to the ultracapacitor construct, and are included in the technology package. Target performance criteria of this technology include the following: - Use of standard materials and processing methods - Robust solid-state device with no liquid electrolytes - High-energy density target energy densities of 60 J/cc at a minimum operating voltage of 50 V - High dielectric breakdown strength (>250 V) - Excellent pulse-power performance; rapid discharge and charge - Reliable performance under repeated cycling (>500,000 cycles) Additional development work is underway to build and test complete capacitor modules and to further improve material properties and performance

 

FIGURES OF MERIT:

Value Proposition: Technology benefits:
• *Improved safety and robustness:
-The solid-state design eliminates liquid/gel electrolytes that can explode in extreme thermal conditions.
-The nonpolar design leads to lower failure rates and easier implementation.

*Tunable properties for exceptional performance:
-The dielectric voltage breakdown strength is >250 V at thicknesses
-The energy storage density targets 60 J/cc, with tailorable packaging to meet board layout or circuit design parameters.

*Standard materials and processing methods for lower-cost manufacturing

APPLICATIONS
*Aerospace - Space power and propulsion systems

*Transportation:
- Regenerative braking systems for cars, trucks, buses, and trains
- Batteries for hybrid and electric cars, as well as fuel cell powered vehicles

*Energy - Smart grid and renewable energy

*Defense - Backup power supplies, laser weapons, and railguns

*Health - Medical devices

 

SHOWCASE SUMMARY

National Innovation Awardee

Organization Type: Academic/Gov Lab