Identification of Response-Limiting Processes in an Indirect Methanol Fuel Cell Bus Powertrain

Fuel Cell engines have been proposed as alternatives to the internal combustion engine in transportation applications. The dynamics of the fuel cell engine and subsystems are not well understood but play an important role in the proposed application. This study assesses the operation of an indirect methanol fuel cell powertrain from a dynamics perspective and identifies resulting limitations of the system. Relevant data from an indirect methanol fuel cell bus powertrain is presented and discussed. Identification of dynamically limiting processes allows researchers and fuel cell manufacturers to focus on sub-systems that can improve the response times during transient operation. Better understanding also allows for development of control and enhancement methods to mitigate the difficulties associated with the dynamic response of indirect methanol fuel cell vehicles.