A semi empirical model based on thermodynamic behaviour of a three way catalytic converter has been proposed to predict temperature evolution of the converter during the cold start. The model is based on energy and mass balance in the TWC considered as control volume. Parameters of the heat equations are identified separately using a step by step approach. Thermocouples have been inserted along the monolith canals to measure the axial evolution of temperature. Experiments on the engine test bench have been conducted to identify the parameters and to validate the model.