Comprehensive Study of Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Classification, Topologies, and Control System Comparisons

Abstract

The utilization of fuel cells (FC) in automotive technology has experienced significant growth in recent years. Fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs) are powered by a combination of fuel cells, batteries, and/or ultracapacitors (UCs). By integrating power converters with these power sources, the FCHEV system can overcome the limitations of using them separately. The performance of an FCHEV is influenced by the efficiency of the power electronics converter controller, as well as the technical efficiency of the power sources. FCHEVs need intricate energy management systems (EMSs) to function effectively. Poor EMS can lead to low efficiency and accelerated fuel cell and battery degradation. The literature discusses various types of EMSs such as equivalent consumption minimization strategy, classical PI controller, fuzzy logic controller, and mutative fuzzy logic controller (MFLC). It also discusses a systematic categorization of FCHEV topologies and delves into the unique characteristics of these topologies. Furthermore, it provides an in-depth comparative study of EMSs applied in FCHEVs, encompassing rule-based, optimization-based, and advanced learning-based approaches. However, comparing different EMSs can be challenging due to the varying vehicle and system parameters, which might lead to false claims being made regarding system performance. This review aims to categorize and discuss the various topologies of FCHEVs, highlighting their pros and cons, and comparing several EMSs based on performance metrics such as state of charge (SOC) and FC deterioration. This paper seeks a deeper comprehension of the recent advancements in EMSs for FCHEVs. It offers insights that can facilitate a more comprehensive grasp of the current state of research in this field, aiding researchers in staying up to date with the latest developments.

Development of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototype Vehicle Supported by Artificial Intelligence for Green Urban Transport

“…Fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs), which use batteries and/or ultracapacitors as auxiliary energy sources to supply excess energy and smooth the power demand fluctuation of the fuel cell, are of interest thanks to their enhanced efficiency and driving range [27][28][29]. In order to decrease hydrogen/energy consumption and extend the lifetime of the fuel cell, energy management systems (EMSs) are integrated that distribute the power load among the energy sources and can be classified as ruled-based, optimization-based, and learning-based EMSs.…”

A Fuzzy Logic Control-Based Approach for Real-Time Energy Management of the Fuel Cell Electrical Bus Considering the Durability of the Fuel Cell System

“…There are various factors that influence the durability of a fuel cell, including idle periods of the FCS, high power scenarios, frequent start-stop cycles, and sudden power fluctuations [37]. Among these factors, it is worth noting that power mutations have the most significant impact on the lifespan of the FCS, as depicted in Figure 15.…”

Dynamic Fractional-Order Model of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell System for Sustainability Improvement

“…The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is particularly notable among various fuel cell types, distinguished by its superior efficiency and capacity to function effectively at lower temperatures [8]. Versatile in application, PEMFCs are employed in diverse fields, including mobile devices, distributed power stations, and automobiles, with notable implementations in fuel cell or fuel cell-based hybrid vehicles like Mirai and Citaro, where the fuel cell-fed DC/AC traction drive system is used [9][10][11][12]. Rapid advancements have been made in advanced AC electric motor control algorithms in recent years, leading to a significant maturation of motor control strategies in these vehicles [12][13][14][15][16][17].…”

“…Versatile in application, PEMFCs are employed in diverse fields, including mobile devices, distributed power stations, and automobiles, with notable implementations in fuel cell or fuel cell-based hybrid vehicles like Mirai and Citaro, where the fuel cell-fed DC/AC traction drive system is used [9][10][11][12]. Rapid advancements have been made in advanced AC electric motor control algorithms in recent years, leading to a significant maturation of motor control strategies in these vehicles [12][13][14][15][16][17]. These developments in AC electric motor technology have been instrumental in enhancing the performance and efficiency of fuel cell or fuel cell-based hybrid vehicles, contributing to their increasing viability in the market.…”