Analysis of the transient state in a circuit with supercapacitor

The paper presents an analysis of the transient state in a simple circuit of RCα class with a supercapacitor. The behavior of supercapacitors differs from that of classic capacitors, which influences voltage and current waveforms in circuits containing them. The waveforms are described by relations of fractional-order integral-differential calculus. A simple fractional-order supercapacitor model, including its series internal resistance, has been assumed for the analysis. The obtained solution of the fractional-order differential equation describing the examined circuit is presented. The impact of different values of the parameter α on the solution has been analyzed too. The derived relations are illustrated by simulation examples for the circuit powered by a DC voltage source. This situation describes the supercapacitor charging process. Its charging time depends mainly on the value of fractional-order parameter α of the supercapacitor.