UCLA

The growing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources necessitates effective energy storage solutions. In response to this challenge, this thesis proposes a decentralized approach to energy storage by leveraging high-density rolled polymer based capacitors. The aim is to address the intermittent nature of renewable energy generation and develop a storage system that is not only affordable and sustainable but also easily deployable. In their typical form, capacitors do not exhibit high energy capacity. Therefore, this research emphasizes the importance of optimizing surface area, implementing high voltage storage capabilities (up to 10 kV), and utilizing a polymeric material with a high dielectric constant. By focusing on these factors, the research aims to overcome the limitations of conventional capacitors and develop a storage system with significantly increased energy density, enabling more efficient energy storage for clean and sustainable sources. The study also explores the potential benefits of introducing trenches into the capacitor structure, with the objective of enhancing capacitance and energy density by increasing the surface area. The validation of these enhancements is carried out using simulation techniques, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed approach. It is important to note that while trenches hold promise for increasing capacitance, the thesis acknowledges the need to carefully consider the potential drawbacks: the introduction of trenches can lead to increased electric field concentration, which may result in dielectric breakdown and compromise the overall performance and reliability of the capacitor. Therefore, the primary objective of this thesis is to identify the optimal capacitor configuration that maximizes capacitance enhancement while maintaining the capacitor's integrity.