Modeling and Analysis of a Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle

This paper presents the results of a Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FCHEV) modeling, in which the fuel cell system is integrated with an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) for electric energy supply to propulsion and auxiliary systems. The objectives of the model is to design a tool suitable for predicting hydrogen consumption, dynamic performances analysis and power management optimization. The global model is the integration of vehicle longitudinal dynamic equations, transmission model and validated models for power sources and power electronics. The model was developed using Matlab/Simulink programming environment with SimPowerSystems library. In order to adapt the steep voltage drop in respect to electrical current load of the fuel cell to a more constant voltage requirement, a DC/DC converter was implemented between the fuel cell and the high power Li-ion battery. The results indicate the suitability of the model in predicting vehicle range and dynamic performances.