Two-Stage Optimization Method for Sizing Stack and Battery Modules of a Fuel Cell Vehicle Based on a Power Split Control

Giuseppe Graber,Vito Calderaro,Vincenzo Galdi

doi:10.3390/electronics11030361

Giuseppe Graber, Vito Calderaro + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11030361

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Journal: Electronics	Publication Date: Jan 25, 2022
Citations: 7	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Salerno

Abstract

Currently, hybrid and battery electric vehicles are the best-selling green cars commercially available. However, there is a growing interest in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCVs). Nevertheless, due to the unidirectional nature of energy transformation in an FCV, an auxiliary energy storage system (ESS) is required to cope with peak power demand and recover braking energy. In this paper, we propose a joint algorithm for sizing both the fuel cell (FC) stack and an auxiliary storage system, taking into account the power split strategy between the two energy sources. Moreover, a novel power split method is introduced based on the lumped resistance of both the FC stack and lithium-ion battery modules. Several simulation results implementing different driving cycles prove that the proposed sizing procedure is able to reduce the fuel consumption of the FCV and increase the expected lifetime of both the FC stack and lithium-ion battery modules according to a given power split strategy.

Highlights

Sales volumes of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are expected to be significant but only in the long term, even with a favorable climate policy scenario
The fuel consumption of the FCV depends on the H-energy storage system (ESS) weight, the driving cycle, and the power algorithm
This paper proposes a suitable procedure for the joint sizing of FC stacks and lithium battery (Li-B)

Summary

Introduction

Sales volumes of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are expected to be significant but only in the long term, even with a favorable climate policy scenario. FCVs are very similar to hybrid or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in terms of operation [3]. Hybrid electric vehicles are equipped with an internal combustion engine (ICE), its related fuel tank, and battery modules. FCVs instead replace the ICE with a fuel cell stack and its pressurized hydrogen tank. They make power by using fuel from the tank (pressurized hydrogen gas). A lithium battery (Li-B) can be used as an auxiliary energy source in order to handle the power transients, recover braking energy, downsize the FC stack, extend its lifetime, and reduce its cost [7]. An FC-based propulsion system consists of a hybrid ESS (H-ESS) composed of an FC stack, an Li-B-based auxiliary energy source, and an electric powertrain [6,7]

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