NYSERDA Supporting New York State Manufacturer's
Efforts to Develop Capacitors that Age Gracefully
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, June 18, 2001
CONTACT: Tom Collins, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090, ext. 3250.
Albany, NY – In life, there are those who age gracefully and
then there are those who become cranky and cantankerous, making life
miserable for those around them. In the world of electronics, capacitors
have there own way of making life miserable as they age over a long
period of time. Capacitors are the electrical equivalent of a spring.
They take in energy for storage over a period of time and release
all of that stored energy almost instantaneously. Typically however,
capacitors age and expire without any warning, resulting in short
circuits and potentially costly equipment failures. With support from
the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Custom Electronics, Inc. of Oneonta, NY (Otsego County) is developing
an advanced capacitor that “ages gracefully” and exhibits
performance degradation over a long period of time in a way that avoids
the types of short circuits that result in equipment failure.
Capacitors are found in products ranging from cameras to satellites.
In cameras, they take in energy from batteries for storage until needed
by the flash. Unlike batteries, capacitors have the ability to instantly
release large amounts of electrical energy. Custom's goal is to develop
and characterize the necessary materials and processes for a new type
of capacitor that, like a frequently-stretched spring, may lose its
strength a little at a time (such performance degradation will occur
in a way that can be monitored), but does not break suddenly. To do
so, Custom is combining elements already developed for existing products
it offers and rolling them into a new package.
“Custom Electronics, Inc. is a long-standing employer in
Oneonta and NYSERDA’s support of this project will help the
company develop a new product line that may result in new jobs and
increased revenue,” said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn.
“Governor Pataki is committed to using the State’s resources
to work with industries to address energy challenges in ways that
also create economic development opportunities – projects like
this typify that approach. Through effective partnerships, we can
resolve our growing energy challenges and create jobs at the same
time.”
NYSERDA and Custom Electronics, Inc. have previously partnered to
develop a line of integrated high-temperature/high-voltage electronic
components and assemblies without need of extensive and energy-intensive
cooling systems to prevent overheating, which would ultimately add
to the cost of operating the end-product. The current project is expected
to result in a product that would assist electrical and electronics
design engineers by improving the reliability of electrical energy
systems. It will also strengthen New York’s industrial and technological
base and potentially add jobs in the Oneonta area.
“We look forward to the successful development of this new
type of advanced capacitor," said Custom President Peter S.
Dokuchitz. "The project is exciting and the potential for improved
product reliability will be welcomed in the electronics industry."
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, supports research to develop
technologies that help New York save energy and reduce emissions.
NYSERDA also helps New York State businesses develop energy and environmental
products, commercializing the type of high-value-added products that
create jobs and give New York State businesses a real chance to compete
in the expanding global marketplace.
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