Design and implementation of renewable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

Abstract

In this paper, a systematic approach for investigating a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid vehicle system is considered. This approach involves developing a mathematical model incorporating renewable hydrogen production, storage and refuelling of the fuel cell vehicle system. The University of Glamorgan's (UOG) Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC) have developed the UK's first alternative energy refuelling facility at the University's Hydrogen Centre in Baglan. Hydrogen produced from renewable energy on-site will be use to refuel the UOG, Faculty of Advanced Technology, Hydrogen Bus (UOGHB). The simulation model is used to analyse the effect of operating conditions and energy demand of the UOGHB. Comparisons are made between the simulation results from the mathematical model and UOGHB experimental data. A general agreement exists but where disagreements and anomalies occur, reasoned arguments are presented in explanation. The model represents a reasonable overall representation of the UOGHB. This model can be used for controller development, to improve operational quality and performances.

Development of Energy Saving Mechanism for Renewable Hydrogen Vehicles

“…Analysis for better energy management strategies are carried out via simulation studies by using the simulation tools developed by the UoG. Simulation results indicate that the energy consumption can be reduced by incorporating the onboard 2 H production and storage system and energy can be recovered at appreciable rates and hence can contribute additional hydrogen to that stored on-board. …”

“…UK energy production and consumption for the period of 1970 to 2009 are shown in Figure.1 Hydrogen as an energy carrier is of considerable relevance in such circumstances, primarily because it may be produced from several renewable resources, through a number of technological routes [2]. Hydrogen produced from renewable sources has the flexibility to be used as a clean, safe and convenient transport fuel.…”

“…Optimizing the process efficiency of round trip hydrogen storage as well as hydrogen generation for vehicle use is currently being investigated. On-site hydrogen production is used to fuel/refuel our renewable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles [2]. In order to do that the UoG-SERC has developed the UK's first alternative energy refuelling facility at the University's Hydrogen Centre in Baglan, South Wales and a small refueller in Glyntaff campus (see Figure.5).…”

“…This usually is a battery or an ultracapacitor pack or a combination of both. Recent studies [2], [6] have shown that the combined battery-ultracapacitor energy storage system can provide better performance and fuel economy.…”

“…Research and development have a fundamental role to play in addressing issues that are acting as a barrier to the accelerated deployment of this energy technology. To this end, research and development is carried out to investigate and improve the performance, stability and reliability of the fuel cell based hybrid electric vehicle system, see for example [2], [3], and [4]. The complexity of the system requires elaborate and innovative studies for proper configuration, component sizing and control system development to fully explore the potential of this advanced technology.…”