Thermal modeling and heat management of supercapacitor modules for vehicle applications

Temperature has a huge influence on supercapacitor cells and modules ageing. Consequently, thermal
management is a key issue concerning lifetime and performance of supercapacitor modules. This paper
presents thermal modeling and heat management of supercapacitor modules for vehicle applications. The
thermal model developed is based on thermal-electric analogy and allows the determination of supercapacitor
temperature. Relying on this model, heat management in supercapacitor modules was studied
for vehicle applications. Thus, the modules were submitted to real life driving cycles and the evolution of
temperatures of supercapacitors was estimated according to electrical demands. The simulation results
showthat the hotspot is located in the middle of supercapacitors module and that a forced airflowcooling
system is necessary.

Publication year:2009

Keywords:Supercapacitors, Thermal modeling, Thermal management of supercapacitor modules