Digital Twin of Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle: a detailed modelling approach of the hydrogen powertrain and the auxiliary systems

Abstract

The transport sector is today a major source of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicles are a solution to reduce its environmental impact, thanks to the zero pollutant tailpipe emissions and longer driving ranges if compared with full electric vehicles. A Digital Twin of a FCHEV is developed in this study, through the assessment of models of mechanical and thermal systems within the vehicle. The Simulink/Simscape model here presented is able to support both the design choices and the test of control strategies. The results obtained allow characterizing the impact of the auxiliary systems on the driving range, whose relative value ranges from 28% to 40% of the overall energy demand depending on the ambient temperature, and the range is between 430 km and 356 km respectively for mild and cold temperature.