A novel design and feasibility analysis of a fuel cell plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

Hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are receiving global attention, stimulated by the urgent need for more fuel-efficient vehicles. However, current challenges for fuel cells such as high cost, sizing problem, and limited driving range, greatly affect the pace of FCV development. At the same time, domestic and renewable energy resource usage is frequently being encouraged for future electric propulsion applications. This philosophy has lead auto manufacturers to investigate the potential of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In this paper, a fuel cell based PHEV (FC-PHEV) configuration, powered by combining an on-board regenerative fuel cell (RFC) and down-sized Ni-MH batteries, is modeled and investigated in detail. This configuration prospectively points towards remarkable advantages from the point of view of both environmental as well as cost friendliness. In addition, an FC-PHEV will also depict longer life span, while maintaining good vehicle performance, compared to regular plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) or fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FC-HEVs). This paper will present a power train configuration of a FC-PHEV, developed for a family sedan. A suitable power management approach has been developed, which considers fuel economy, component efficiency, and driving pattern. The vehicle performance and feasibility are also investigated based on the modeling and simulation studies. A detailed comparison and discussion from the point of view of fuel economy, drive train efficiency, as well as practical cost and commercialization issues will also be presented.