An Assessment Of The Status Of Fuel Cell Battery Vehicle Power System

An assessment of the status of the integrated fuel cell/battery power system concept for electric vehicle propulsion is reported. The fuel cell, operating on hydrogen or methanol (indirectly), acts as a very high capacity energy battery for vehicle sustaining operation, while a special power battery provides over-capacity transient power on demand, being recharged by the fuel cell, e.g., during cruising. A focused literature search and a set of industrial and Government contacts were carried out to establish views, outlooks, and general status concerning the concept. It is evident that, although vehicle battery R and D is being actively pursued, little of today's fuel cell work is directed to transportation usage. Only very limited attention has been, and is being, given to the fuel cell/battery power system concept itself. However, judging largely from computer-simulated driving cycle results, the concept can provide needed range capabilities and general operating flexibility to electric vehicles. New transportation applications, conventionally viewed as beyond the capability of electric vehicles, may thereby be practical, e.g., rail, trucks. In view of these potential and important benefits, and the absence of any comprehensive research, development, and demonstration activities which are supportive of the fuel cell/battery system concept, the initiation of an appropriate effort is recommended by the Assessment Team. This general recommendation is supported by applicable findings, observations, and conclusions.

Vehicular Electric Power Systems: Land, Sea, Air, and Space Vehicles acquaints professionals with trends and challenges in the development of more electric vehicles (MEVs) using detailed examples and comprehensive discussions of advanced MEV power system architectures, characteristics, and dynamics. The authors focus on real-world applications and highlight issues related to system stability as well as challenges faced during and after implementation. Probes innovations in the development of more electric vehicles for improved maintenance, support, endurance, safety, and cost-efficiency in automotive, aerospace, and marine vehicle engineering Heralding a new wave of advances in power system technology, Vehicular Electric Power Systems discusses: Different automotive power systems including conventional automobiles, more electric cars, heavy-duty vehicles, and electric and hybrid electric vehicles Electric and hybrid electric propulsion systems and control strategies Aerospace power systems including conventional and advanced aircraft, spacecraft, and the international space station Sea and undersea vehicles The modeling, real-time state estimation, and stability assessment of vehicular power systems Applications of fuel cells in various land, sea, air, and space vehicles Modeling techniques for energy storage devices including batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaic cells, and ultracapacitors Advanced power electronic converters and electric motor drives for vehicular applications Guidelines for the proper design of DC and AC distribution architectures

A complete, up-to-date, introductory guide to fuel cell technology and application Fuel Cell Fundamentals provides a thorough introduction to the principles and practicalities behind fuel cell technology. Beginning with the underlying concepts, the discussion explores fuel cell thermodynamics, kinetics, transport, and modeling before moving into the application side with guidance on system types and design, performance, costs, and environmental impact. This new third edition has been updated with the latest technological advances and relevant calculations, and enhanced chapters on advanced fuel cell design and electrochemical and hydrogen energy systems. Worked problems, illustrations, and application examples throughout lend a real-world perspective, and end-of chapter review questions and mathematical problems reinforce the material learned. Fuel cells produce more electricity than batteries or combustion engines, with far fewer emissions. This book is the essential introduction to the technology that makes this possible, and the physical processes behind this cost-saving and environmentally friendly energy source. Understand the basic principles of fuel cell physics Compare the applications, performance, and costs of different systems Master the calculations associated with the latest fuel cell technology Learn the considerations involved in system selection and design As more and more nations turn to fuel cell commercialization amidst advancing technology and dropping deployment costs, global stationary fuel cell revenue is expected to grow from $1.4 billion to $40.0 billion by 2022. The sector is forecasted to explode, and there will be a tremendous demand for high-level qualified workers with advanced skills and knowledge of fuel cell technology. Fuel Cell Fundamentals is the essential first step toward joining the new energy revolution.