An Integrated Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Vehicle Model

The potential of fuel cells as an automotive power source is well recognized due to their high efficiency and zero tailpipe emissions. However, significant technical and economic hurdles need to be overcome in order to make this technology commercially viable. A proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell model has been developed to assess some of these technical issues. The fuel cell model can be operated in a standalone mode or it can be integrated with vehicle and fuel supply system models. A detailed thermal model of the fuel cell stack was used to identify significant design parameters that affect the performance of PEM fuel cell vehicles. The integrated vehicle model was used to explore the relative benefits of hybridization options.