Novel, Solid-State Hybrid Ultracapacitor Battery

About this technology

Overview

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a solid-state ultracapacitor with a unique combination of high capacitance and battery-like discharge characteristics. The high capacitance in a solid-state form can enable a new type of ultracapacitor, and, in combination with the ability to deliver sustained power like a battery, can perhaps enable an entirely new class of energy storage devices. Test devices have demonstrated high capacitance, and uniquely, a discharge behavior that is more typical of a battery. Data show that these test devices discharge rapidly down to a certain voltage, and then discharge slowly like a battery. Hence, the term hybrid ultracapacitor is used to describe the technology. The subject technology was developed as a result of efforts to replace range-safety batteries used to power the systems that destroy off-course space launch vehicles. Other commercial applications where ultracapacitors or batteries are used may benefit as well.