If fuel cell vehicles are to compete in the same marketplace as conventional vehicles, then they must provide the consumer with the same, or improved, levels of convenience, comfort, refinement and performance at the same, or lower, price. In 2003/4, several vehicle manufacturers are planning to launch their first commercial fuel cell vehicles onto the market. In this remarkably short timeframe, many systems must be integrated into a vehicle including the fuel cell system plus thermal and water management, cabin heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, control and on-board diagnostics, power electronics, electric motor and gearbox, suspension, steering, braking, refinement and crash protection.
This paper presents a range of modelling techniques which allow the user to design and develop key systems, including the power management system, compressed air supply, thermal management and control algorithms. These techniques are illustrated by application to a hydrogen-fuelled PEM fuel cell-powered Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) concept.