Development and Evaluation of Personal Urban Concept Vehicle Powered by a Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Abstract

Abstract To reduce the levels of harmful emissions and to minimize the noise pollution, many leading countries have started pilot projects and initiatives for gradual transition to electrical vehicles or vehicles powered by alternative fuel sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, biofuels, and methanol. Parallel to this, many automotive companies are also exploring and using every possibility to introduce newer manufacturing technologies and materials in the vehicle development and construction processes. The results of these efforts are vehicles that are lighter and have lower fuel consumption, but at the same time are capable to provide the industry approved levels of comfort, reliability, and protection to the passengers. One of the many drivers for the abovementioned evolution of the automotive industry are the numerous events and races, where teams from different countries and continents are competing for dominance. The focus of this paper is to present the processes for design, development and evaluation of a hydrogen fuel cell powered racing vehicle, which was developed at the “Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse in Bulgaria. The paper presents results from simulated and real on-track experiments with the vehicle prototype. Emulations and analysis on the possibilities to improve the vehicle performance, as well as to increase the effectiveness of the vehicle power supply system, using a system for regenerative braking, are also provided in the last section of the paper.