SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal is to develop very high energy density capacitors in order to increase the sound source level of sparker modules, in support of the Tactical Acoustic Measurement (TAM) program. The two materials, polyvinyledene difluoride (PVDF) polymer film and antiferroelectric lanthanum doped lead zirconate titanate (Pb(La,Zr,)TiO3, or PLZT) ceramic, have the potential to increase the energy density by up to a factor of four higher than current high energy density capacitors. In Phase I, we will demonstrate the capability of each capacitor type by measuring their electrical circuit properties and testing their performance in a sparker system. In collaboration with capacitor manufacturers, we will estimate production costs for each capacitor type. Based on test results and cost estimates, we will recommend further capacitor development and incoration into TAM sparkers in Phase II.

This Phase II is to develop capacitor systems for SEA sonobuoy sparker modules, implement them into sparker modules in an appropriate form factor and demonstrate increased source level in sea tests. The work addresses increasing capacitor energy density and maximum charge voltage, based on Phase I results. The initial task evaluates alternative capacitors, leading to a down selection to the best candidate. Capacitors will then be packaged and integrated into sparker modules and tested both in the laboratory and at sea. The development work leads to a full-up sea test of the sparker module to demonstrate high source level performance.

Keywords:
High energy density capacitor sparker acoustic source