Abstract
This paper presents a solution of implementation of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) functionality in the power converter used for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) power management. The fuel cell is electrically coupled to an electric vehicle DC bus using a DC/AC/DC converter based on an inverter stage, a high frequency power transformer stage, and a rectifier stage. The EIS is achieved by the power converter in order to be performed without additional hardware, cost and volume. The proposed EIS process is integrated in the power control to allow real time using of EIS results for embedded diagnosis or control improvement. An experimental platform developed in the laboratory has validated the online EIS method on a 750 W 20-cell-stack. Experimental validation tests presented in this paper illustrate spectral impedance monitoring for variations of requested current, air humidification rate and hydrogen flow rate.
Highlights
The conversion of hydrogen into electricity allows considering electric vehicles with an acceptable autonomy thanks to embedded storage of hydrogen [1], while enjoying all the benefits of powertrain electrification: greater energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, zero emissions at the vehicle level
This work evaluates a solution of integration of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) functionality directly inside the existing power converter and control system
The power converter based on a high frequency transformer is an innovative solution to address the problem of integration issues and the need for significant elevation of PEMFC voltage for connection to the electric vehicle DC bus
Summary
The conversion of hydrogen into electricity allows considering electric vehicles with an acceptable autonomy thanks to embedded storage of hydrogen [1], while enjoying all the benefits of powertrain electrification: greater energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, zero emissions at the vehicle level. Nowadays, considering the use of a PEMFC in an electric vehicle under actual operating conditions, it is possible to achieve a lifespan of about 2500 h, while 5000 h is classically the requirement for personal vehicles. Among the different ways to solve this technological bolt, the development of efficient real-time observation methodologies for the state-of-health of the fuel cell stack is key possibility. This could offer a better understanding of the phenomena causing internal damage and aging. These technologies, if featuring real-time ability, should eventually help correcting the electrical and fluidic management of fuel cell system in order to minimize the degrading effects
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