Rolls-Royce and Superdielectrics are to explore the potential of using polymers to create next generation high energy storage technology.
The agreement will see Rolls-Royce combine its material science and technical expertise with Superdielectrics’ novel hydrophilic polymers that have been shown, in partnership with researchers from the Universities of Bristol and Surrey, to have potentially outstanding energy storage properties.
Dr Dave Smith, director of Central Technology, Rolls-Royce, said: “We believe that electrification will play an increasingly important role in many of our markets over the coming years and by working with partners on potential new technologies for energy storage we can ensure that Rolls-Royce is well positioned to take advantage of new developments.”
Jim Heathcote CEO of Superdielectrics, said: “We are delighted to be working with Rolls-Royce in the global race to develop advanced energy storage systems. This agreement gives us access to their unparalleled scientific and technical expertise. I hope this agreement will ultimately create new jobs and business opportunities in the UK.”
Working with researchers from the Universities of Bristol and Surrey, Superdielectrics has been developing hydrophilic materials, similar to those originally designed for soft contact lenses, to increase the electricity storage capabilities of capacitors, which store electricity by creating electrostatic fields.
These dielectric polymers may provide an opportunity to create capacitors that are able to rival – and even exceed – the storage capacity of traditional rechargeable batteries. The resulting supercapacitors may also be able to charge much faster than existing lithium-ion batteries.
Superdielectrics has filed patents on these materials, which Bristol University estimates to have dielectric property values which are 1,000-10,000 times greater than conventional electrolyte solutions. The company’s technology is not limited by rare or expensive elements and potentially has a higher energy density than lead acid and Lithium-ion batteries. Supercapacitors also offer very rapid charge and discharge capabilities.
The terms of the agreement between Rolls-Royce and Superdielectrics remain confidential.
Gosh – ‘dielectric property values which are 1,000-10,000 times greater than conventional electrolyte solutions’ – that’s hardly believable and if its’ …technology is not limited by rare or expensive elements’ and the storage isn’t limited by charge-cycle degradation then I’ll change my preference from flywheel-based energy storage systems.
Perhaps this is just me, but I sense a parallel development of charge control networks to prevent dumping the grid at key times during the day. Perhaps the controller could be something as simple as a circuit whose output potential only exceeds the supercapacitor present charge potential by X%. That should help limit current in-rush, or catastrophic spark-arc while connecting (or use isolation switch). Now I am just being dense, and suggesting the obvious.
That’s the trouble with common sense: its not very common! and too often quite insensible!