Load Capacity of Nickel–Metal Hydride Battery and Proton-Exchange-Membrane Fuel Cells in the Fuel-Cell-Hybrid-Electric-Vehicle Powertrain

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of loading on the hybrid powertrain of the FCAT-30 model, equipped with a proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a nickel–metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This study involves analyzing structural component performance based on voltage and current measurements of the fuel cell, battery, and powertrain. Tests conducted under different load conditions reveal significant differences in battery current and fuel-cell voltage, highlighting the crucial role of the battery in the powertrain. External loading induces cyclic operation of the fuel cell, generating peak power. The energy balance analysis demonstrates that, under no-load conditions, the vehicle consumes 37.3% of its energy from the fuel cell, with a total energy consumption of 3597 J. Under load, the energy from the battery is significantly utilized, resulting in a constant fuel-cell share of approximately 19%, regardless of the vehicle’s load. This study concludes that the battery predominantly drives the powertrain, with the fuel cell acting as a secondary energy source. These findings provide valuable insights into the power distribution and energy balance in the hybrid powertrain. Using a load driving profile reduced the fuel-cell-stack energy contribution by 6.85% relative to driving without an external load.