Scaled DC lifetime, test and evaluation of advanced nanocomposite materials for compact high voltage capacitors

Abstract

A high dielectric, nanodielectric, composite material, MU100, was developed by the University of Missouri for use in dielectric loaded antennas. Based on its dielectric strength and losses, MU100 had possible uses in the development of high energy-density capacitors. This paper presents the dielectric properties of the materials for high energy-density pulsed power applications. Additionally, the application of compact high voltage capacitors and recent advances demonstrated during the testing and evaluation of this material is explored. Small scale tests have shown the average dielectric strength of MU100 to be 225 kV/cm with a peak break down field of 328 kV/cm. When potted, these small-scale capacitors have lifetimes in excess of 800,000 discharges at 80% of their maximum rated field strength.