Solid-State Ultracapacitor Using IBLC BaTiO3
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rechargeable batteries used in space vehicles, such as silver zinc and lithium-ion batteries, have limitations including rapid degradation, high weight, volume, and the use of harmful chemicals, and cannot be rapidly charged, while existing ultracapacitors lack the energy density to replace batteries.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state ultracapacitor using internally barrier layer capacitor (IBLC) technology, where ferroelectric BaTiO3 grains are coated with a dielectric shell and sintered in a reducing forming gas atmosphere to create millions of nanocapacitors in parallel, offering higher energy density and power density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If rechargeable batteries (silver zinc or lithium-ion) are used for energy storage, then energy density is improved, but weight increases and charging speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the energy storage system by using solid-state dielectric materials with high permittivity (εr > 1000) instead of electrochemical systems, enabling ultracapacitor behavior with rapid charge/discharge capabilities while maintaining high energy density in a solid-state format
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite ceramic structures combining high-permittivity dielectric materials with conductive electrodes, creating a solid-state ultracapacitor that achieves both high energy density and rapid charging without the weight penalties of traditional battery systems
2Use of energy by moving object
If rechargeable batteries are used for energy storage, then energy density is improved, but device lifespan decreases and harmful chemicals are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inorganic ceramic dielectric materials that are inherently stable, non-degradable, and free from harmful chemicals, replacing the finite-life electrochemical systems with potentially indefinite-life solid-state components
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from electrochemical to solid-state dielectric energy storage, the system eliminates chemical degradation mechanisms, enabling vastly improved reliability and lifespan without sacrificing energy density
3Speed
If conventional capacitors are used, then rapid charging is achieved, but energy density is insufficient to replace batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dramatically increases capacitance by utilizing dielectric materials with extremely high permittivity values (εr > 1000), transforming conventional capacitor behavior into ultracapacitor performance that maintains rapid charging while achieving battery-level energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves from conventional low-permittivity dielectrics to high-permittivity ferroelectric and relaxor ferroelectric materials, accessing a new dimension of dielectric response that enables ultracapacitor behavior
4Use of energy by moving object
If high permittivity materials are used to increase capacitance, then energy density is improved, but dielectric losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs compositional grading and microstructural engineering within the ceramic dielectric to optimize local properties, achieving high bulk permittivity while maintaining low loss characteristics through controlled domain structures and interface engineering
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite ceramic systems combining different dielectric phases and dopants to achieve the desired balance between high permittivity and low dielectric loss, optimizing overall energy storage performance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solid-state ultracapacitor achieves longer life, lower mass-to-weight ratio, rapid charging, and on-demand pulse power with improved standby time without maintenance, while being environmentally friendly, effectively replacing batteries and current ultracapacitors.
Implementation Method 1
heating and cooling the dielectric ink in a furnace under a nitrogen atmosphere... heating the BaTiO3 particles in a furnace under a mixture of 70-96% by volume N2 4-30% by volume H2 gas for 60-90 minutes at 900° C.
Implementation Method 2
a 3-20 nm film of SiO2 or Al2O3 is deposited over the particles
Implementation Method 3
the dielectric ink is sintered onto the substrate by heating in a second furnace at 850-900° C. for 60-90 minutes
Implementation Method 4
The outer coating, which remains an insulating shell, combines with this semiconducting internal layer, resulting in millions of nanocapacitors in parallel. The combination of a semiconducting grain with an insulating boundary leads to the IBLC effect.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink of the formula: 60-80% by weight BaTiO3 particles coated with SiO2; 5-50% by weight high dielectric constant glass; 0.1-5% by weight surfactant; 5-25% by weight solvent; and 5-25% weight organic vehicle. Also a dielectric made by: heating particles of BaTiO3 for a special heating cycle, under a mixture of 70-96% by volume N2 and 4-30% by volume H2 gas; depositing a film of SiO2 over the particles; mechanically separating the particles; forming them into a layer; and heating at 850-900° C. for less than 5 minutes and allowing the layer to cool to ambient temperature in N2 atmosphere.