Development and dynamic characteristics of hybrid fuel cell-powered mini-train system

This paper describes the development of a hybrid Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell and its integration into a mini-train (that can carry 9–12 people). The fuel cell power system is composed of a 200 W PEMFC, four metal hydrogen-storage tanks with a low pressure, lead-acid battery group, and an effectively designed electronic energy control system. The parallel connection of fuel cells and lead-acid batteries can supply power. The mini-train runs on a track that is 18.4 cm wide and 212 m long in the open air at the National Science and Technology Museum. After two years of running, the mini train has been operating over for 2000 h and transported more than 70,000 passengers. The dynamic response of the fuel cell group can be tested. The result demonstrates that the parallel connection of lead-acid batteries and fuel cells can withstand the high temperatures and high humidity of Taiwan and supply power stably. This fuel cell power supply system can provide the same power to the mini-train as do the lead–acid batteries.