Two companies are collaborating to create a model library of ultra-capacitor components for next-generation energy-storage systems for automotive, industrial and aerospace applications.
Two companies are collaborating to create a model library of ultra-capacitor components for next-generation energy-storage systems for automotive, industrial and aerospace applications.
Maxwell Technologies and Ansoft have announced that they will develop a model library of Maxwell Technologies' Boostcap ultra-capacitor cells and multi-cell modules using the VHDL-AMS modelling language for use in Ansoft's Simplorer.
Maxwell Technologies selected Simplorer based on the strength of its VHDL-AMS simulation capabilities and on Ansoft's strong position and focus on providing high-performance, system-simulation systems to the automotive, aerospace and industrial power markets.
"The library will contain a wide range of ultra-capacitor cell and module products to ensure that our current and future customers will have the necessary elements to develop the next generation of energy-storage systems for automotive, industrial and other applications," said Dr John Miller, Maxwell's vice president, advanced transportation applications.
"We chose the Simplorer platform because it provides robust modelling capability, is widely used in our target markets and adheres to the VHDL-AMS modelling standard".
Ultra-capacitors are ultra-high-capacity energy-storage devices that deliver bursts of high power and recharge rapidly from any energy source over hundreds of thousands of cycles.
Compared with batteries, Boostcap cells deliver up to 10 times the power, last up to 10 times as long, operate more reliably in high-temperature and low-temperature conditions, require far less maintenance and reduce environmental issues associated with battery disposal.
Ultra-capacitors produce cleaner and more fuel-efficient hybrid-electric/internal-combustion buses, trucks and automobiles.
Ultra-capacitor technology is ideal for powering initial acceleration, operating electrical subsystems and regenerative braking.
"Hybrid-electric vehicles and alternative-energy research and development are of great interest to our Simplorer customers," said Dr Marius Rosu, Ansoft's group leader, Simplorer modelling.
"For researchers to have access to accurate VHDL-AMS models of ultra-capacitors directly from Maxwell Technologies will make them more productive and speed the pace of their research".
VHDL-AMS is the IEEE-endorsed standard modelling language (standard 1076.1) created to provide a general-purpose, open language for analogue-mixed-signal designs.
Models that adhere to this standard are usable in all simulation tools that adhere to the VHDL-AMS standard.
