Study and design of a hybrid electric vehicle (Lithium Batteries-PEM FC)

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. 3166 - 3184
• Main Authors: Andaloro, L., Arista, A., Agnello, G., Napoli, G., Sergi, F., Antonucci, V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 02-02-2017
• Subjects: Hybrid powertrain; Hydrogen; Lithium polymer battery; PEM fuel cell; Urban bus; Lithium polymer battery; Hybrid powertrain; Hydrogen; Urban bus; PEM fuel cell
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.12.082

Nowadays, increasingly stringent directives in the transport sector open interesting possibilities for the development of new traction technologies based on electrochemical storage and fuel cells, that are characterized by some limitations: the electrochemical storage systems have a limited range while fuel cells have not a proper response capability for very variable load demands.
With the aim to realize a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) able to increase range of autonomy, CNR ITAE has designed a minibus (Class B-Category M3) having an electric motor of 40 kW powered by a polymeric fuel cell system of 20 kW and a lithium battery system of 70 kWh.
The study is focused on evaluation of the hybrid propulsion system performance in different operating conditions. In particular, powertrain configuration and energy management strategies have been studied to optimize the efficiency of the HEV, overcoming the limitations of these technologies, reducing energy losses and increasing range of the vehicle. Tests on the road have been conducted and energy production and consumption of the vehicle have been logged.
•Study and design of a fuel cell/battery power train.•Test on fuel cell system and Li-Ion battery pack.•Electrical and mechanical reconfiguration of a commercial minibus.