Scenario-oriented stacks allocation optimization for multi-stack fuel cell systems

Abstract

The multi-stack fuel cell system (MFCS) could have advantages (e.g. higher efficiency, stronger robustness, longer lifetime, etc.) versus the single-stack fuel cell system (SFCS) in high-powered application scenarios. For an application scenario with its probability distribution of electrical power demands, the optimization problem of stacks allocation is generally proposed for the MFCS under constraint conditions of the probability distribution and characteristics (e.g. specific efficiency curves) of a set of available stacks. As a special case, a decision model of MFCS stacks allocation and related power management for the application of heavy-duty commercial vehicles is established with an integrated optimization index of efficiency and remaining useful life (RUL) and co-solved by iterative and heuristic algorithms. The optimal stacks allocation schemes for three stacks to five stacks is obtained. The optimal stacks output powers scheme is analyzed with three stacks. Finally, the solution results are investigated and analyzed through change the impact factors of efficiency weights, application scenarios, the efficiency, and RUL characteristics of available stacks.