Design and Optimization of Air Intake and Cooling System for Commercial Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">There is need of the hour to reduce greenhouse gases and become carbon neutral. Global warming and the increase in pollution are big threats to humankind. The Paris agreement is a major step towards reducing pollution and greenhouse gases.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">To improve the situation, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle is a promising technology that enables zero emissions, zero greenhouse gas generation and high efficiency with superior performance for long-range applications as compared to other green technologies.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">Although it is a promising and beneficial technology, there is limited information available in the public domain about fuel cell technology and its accessories.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">Air intake and cooling system’s right functioning is very important for proper fuel cell functioning. Incoming air to the fuel cell stack needs to be processed by cleaning, humidifying, cooling or heating. If the incoming air isn't clean, it will deteriorate the fuel cell's performance; it may get blocked, or even damaged. Similarly, to get sustainable performance from the fuel cell stack, it needs to operate within the recommended temperature range, which can be achieved by an optimum cooling system.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">This paper is intended to discuss the design and optimization of the air intake system and cooling system for fuel cell vehicles. Their design considerations, sizing, packaging and placement on vehicle. In addition, it covers the effects of various parameters and their impact on performance, reliability, life of the fuel cell stack. Also, it incorporates guidelines and best practices while designing.</div></div>