Energy management of fuel cell powered drive trains

A simulation tool supporting the development of energy management strategies of fuel cell powered drive trains is presented. The object orientated modelling language Modelica with the graphical development surface Dymola is used as a basic tool. The tool is demonstrated with the investigation of various hybrid configurations and operating strategies of the fuel cell air supply. The so-called HYZEM cycle for cars is used as the reference drive cycle. The results show that the hybridization improves the fuel economy compared to the pure fuel cell vehicle. It is also, explicitly, pointed out that the operation strategy of the air supply system has a strong impact on the fuel economy. However, a generalization of these results is not possible because they depend on the used drive cycle.