A system, in certain embodiments, includes a power supply. The power supply includes an ultracapacitor configured to be charged by a DC source. The power supply also includes a first switch that enables charging of the ultracapacitor by the DC source when in a closed position and disables charging of the ultracapacitor when in an open position. The power supply further includes a second switch configured to enable discharging of the ultracapacitor when in a closed position and to disable discharging of the ultracapacitor when in an open position. As the ultracapacitor is discharged, a current is supplied to actuate a shape memory alloy element.