Electro-thermal analysis of Electric Double-Layer-Capacitors

Electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) operate between rechargeable batteries and electrolytic capacitors with respect to energy and power performance. Prediction of internal heating due to discharge and charge current cycles is one of key elements for producing reliable and safe devices with long cycle-life. A calorimetric technique was developed for measuring the heat generation rates of EDLCs under cycling. The as developed technique is described. The heat generation rates were measured on carbon cells as a function of current cycles. Thermal measurements were found in quite good agreement with a porous electrode model of double layer capacitance describing the charging mechanisms. Calculations were performed after estimating the electrical properties of the cell by fitting the dynamic cell voltage. Investigations have conducted to a better understanding of the electro-thermal behavior of EDLCs.