Simulation and Optimization of Air-Cooled PEMFC Stack for Lightweight Hybrid Vehicle Application

Abstract

A model of 2 kW air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack has been built based upon the application of lightweight hybrid vehicle after analyzing the characteristics of heat transfer of the air-cooled stack. Different dissipating models of the air-cooled stack have been simulated and an optimal simulation model for air-cooled stack called convection heat transfer (CHT) model has been figured out by applying the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, based on which, the structure of the air-cooled stack has been optimized by adding irregular cooling fins at the end of the stack. According to the simulation result, the temperature of the stack has been equally distributed, reducing the cooling density and saving energy. Finally, the 2 kW hydrogen-air air-cooled PEMFC stack is manufactured and tested by comparing the simulation data which is to find out its operating regulations in order to further optimize its structure. Air-Cooled Stack Heat Transfer and Heat Dissipation Model2.1. The Generation of Stack Heat. More than half of the consuming energy produced in the PEMFC electrochemistry reaction dissipates in the form of heat energy [5]; in this case, in order to keep the stack operate within reasonable temperature, it is required to have the nature of heat dissipation.

An Integrated Optimal Energy Management/Gear-Shifting Strategy for an Electric Continuously Variable Transmission Hybrid Powertrain Using Bacterial Foraging Algorithm

“…No engine fuel rate is consumed in this case. The battery power is directly calculated from according to (1). The variables and in are calculated from (14) and (18), respectively.…”

“…The hybridization of power sources, energy sources, and system configurations for green vehicles has become a mature technology because of outstanding performance (long traveling distance, energy recovery, superior acceleration, optimal control, favorable fuel economy, and low or zero emission) [1][2][3][4]. Engine/motor hybrid powertrains constitute the most popular type because of the low level of modification from vehicles with traditional engines.…”