Hybrid energy control using DC-DC converter for single operator fuel cell vehicle

Abstract

We are developing a small, single operator fuel cell vehicle with a 1kW fuel cell, which we named the micro FCV. A hybrid energy control system using a DCDC converter was designed for the vehicle. We have entered into a micro FCV competition which challenges participants to develop vehicles which would deliver optimum performance at a low cost. During travel on flat surfaces, when the vehicle travels at constant speed, i.e. low power mode, a fuel cell is used. A battery and the fuel cell are used together when the vehicle operates in high power mode, i.e. while accelerating or ascending an incline. A micro computer controlled hybrid energy control system toggles between the energy flows dependent on the power requirements. Running experiments provided excellent performance results demonstrating that the micro FCV was able to operate efficiently using the hybrid energy control system which we developed. In this paper, we will discuss the designs of the micro FCV, the energy control system, the DCDC converter, and will provide the running experimental results.