Optimal Parametric Design of Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles by Balancing Composite Motion Optimization

• Published in: International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 123 - 143
• Main Authors: Huynh, Thinh, Pham, Anh Tuan, Lee, Jaehong, Nguyen-Xuan, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Seoul Korean Society for Precision Engineering 2024; 한국정밀공학회
• Subjects: Energy Efficiency; Engineering; Industrial and Production Engineering; Regular Paper; Sustainable Development; 기계공학; Fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle (FCHEV); Operating cost; Parametric design; Optimal sizing; Balancing composite motion optimization (BCMO)
• ISSN: 2288-6206; 2198-0810
• DOI: 10.1007/s40684-023-00526-3

Fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs) have been recognized as a promising solution for green and sustainable transportation. Unfortunately, the low performance and high operational cost make current FCHEVs less attractive than their alternatives. In this paper, we address a new contribution to the optimal design for the FCHEV components’ parameters in order to enhance their performance and reduce their operating cost. We consider a passenger FCHEV and propose a parametric design method for its polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell system, lithium-ion battery, electric motor and differential unit by the balancing composite motion optimization (BCMO) algorithm. The FCHEV model can be used to analyze the influence of the parameters of each of the aforementioned components. The desired performance, the hydrogen consumption, the efficiency of the fuel cell system, and the lifespan of the power sources are all taken into account through a single cost function. The optimization procedure is introduced, where the fuel cell maximal net power, battery capacity and maximal power capacity, motor maximal power, and powertrain gear ratio are optimally designed. Finally, comparative studies are conducted and validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.