Electric Vehicle Range Extension Using an SOFC APU

A hierarchical modeling approach to the simulation and control of planar solid oxide fuel cells

“…Particularly, as outlined by SECA [1], SOFCs are currently being preferred with respect to PEM fuel cells for automotive auxiliary power units. This happens despite the slow start-up and besides the fuel flexibility, because of the following benefits: cogeneration and internal reforming opportunities; no need of water management; simple reformer technology; high electrical efficiency; no noble catalysts; low noise [5,8]. Therefore, many prototypal applications of automotive APUs are available in literature.…”

“…Nevertheless, the success of this technology in the automotive field strongly depends on the solution of limiting factors such as slow dynamics, thermal-stress-related issues and low power to weight ratio (i.e. 0.1 kW kg −1 ) [8]. Therefore, Fig.…”

“…In this context, hierarchical modeling of SOFC systems represents a very suitable methodology to enhance both design and sizing phases, with the final aim of moving from a developmental stage to a mass production phase [8,9]. The potentialities of hier- archical modeling were already analyzed and proven to be very effective in other research fields, such as automotive engines control.…”

Requirements for MOSFETs in Fuel Cell Power Conditioning Applications

“…In case of standstill of the vehicle the power supply of certain loads is possible for a long time without idling of the combustion engine. However there is also some potential for the optimisation of system behaviour during the driving [12]. As volume and weight are two very important issues for mobile applications, high power density and power-weight ratio are required.…”

The Status of Metal-Supported SOFC Development and Industrialization at Plansee

“…In recent years, this common trend has also led to an increasing interest on alternative devices to extend the limited range of pure battery vehicles without using a relatively inefficient and polluting combustion engine. For this purpose, highly efficient fuel cell systems have attained world-wide interest to be used as range extender or even as main propulsion system in hydrogen-driven cars (2)(3)(4). Furthermore, there are also some other interesting approaches for using fuel cell systems in mobile applications.…”