Simulation of fuel-cell-powered vehicles

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Simulation of fuel-cell-powered vehicles

Peters, R. / Düsterwald, H. / Höhlein, B.

In comparison with conventional light-duty vehicles (LDV), fuel-cell-powered LDV's based on polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) systems with methanol, ethanol or gasoline as energy carriers provide promising options for clean and effective vehicles of the future. A long-term option for energy stored on board could also be hydrogen produced on a non-fossil basis. Methanol, ethanol and gasoline as energy carriers of PEFC sytems have to be converted into hydrogen or a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas by means of a reformer. Methanol can also be used directly in a direct-methanol fuel-cell (DMFC) system. Our study will present simulation calculations for a methanol-based power train with on-board fuel processing including methanol reformer, catalytic converter, fuel gas conditioning, PEFC and electric power train as well as an energy storage system. Our calculations with a simulation program DÜSE for a virtual passenger car were carried out for different driving cycles using characteristic operation data for the different units. These data are available from experimental results provided by our 5 kW to 10 kW test facilities in terms of the dynamics and long-term behaviour of the total system including reformer, catalytic converter and gas treatment units. The simulation calculations represent not only the methanol conversion rate, CO selectivity and hydrogen yield as a function of the dynamic driving cycle, but also the energy management required for the whole power train configuration. Thus, it is possible to identify the weaknesses of the various units and of the power train as a whole. The results of the simulation calculations represent not only the progress required in terms of comparability with conventional power trains, but also the high potential of fuel-cell powered drives in terms of specific energy consumption data.