A hermetically sealed aluminum electrolytic capacitor will be develops as a replacement for tantalum capacitors in space power systems. This will significantly reduce power supply volume and weight. These capacitors will operate from -55oC to 1050C, have an estimated 20 year life, and have a high CV product, for example, 1000aF250 WV. The availability of a family of such components will make easier the design of higher power circuits. The innovations leading to this new capacitor are a novel seal design that avoids the problems associated with an aluminum-glass bond, and a low-gassing electrolyte that limits the internal pressure during the operating life to safe levels. In Phase I prototype electrolytes will be developed and tested, and gas generation data will be obtained from which estimates will be made of internal pressure over operating life at different conditions. These estimates will demonstrate the feasibility of this device. The seal will be developed in Phase II. Other applications for a hermetic sealed electrolytic capacitor are found in commercial satellites and in medical electronic implants. When used in conventional capacitors, the new electrolyte will provide higher reliability performance at high-temperature and will be particularly good for power electronic components such as are used in inverter circuits. aluminum electrolytic capacitor, hermetic seal, electrolyte, pressure, gasSTATUS: Phase I Only
