History of the scientific researches of the vehicles with hydrogen power units

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fuel cells are one of the promising directions in the development of electrified transport as it is capable of providing with mileage comparable to conventional vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, with no harmful emissions into the environment during the vehicle motion. The long-lasting process of development of fuel cells was associated with the inability to realize the potential of fuel cells and the availability of more accessible and reliable energy sources at that time. The present programs and measures to support electric vehicles and fuel cells set targets for reducing emissions of harmful gases and increasing the share of electric vehicles on the roads. AIMS: The study of the history of the development of fuel cells and their relevance to the use in vehicles. METHODS: The calculations to determine the specific parameters were performed with solving the differential equation of the force balance of vehicle motion using the numerical Euler method. RESULTS: The results of the scientific research are the determination of specific parameters of power units and the analysis of the history of the development of fuel cells. By comparing the specific parameters, it was revealed that the most effective are combined power units on fuel cells. When using these power units, a 2.5-fold decrease in mass was recorded compared to other types of power units. CONCLUSIONS: The use of fuel cells helps to reduce the weight of the power units and to improve the environmental safety of the vehicle. Fuel cells have undergone several long stages of development and reached their peak of development after the beginning of active space exploration. Currently, the development of hydrogen technologies is actively continuing, programs for the development of electrified transport have been issued in many countries, including the Russian Federation. The authors note the relevance of scientific research in this area and assume that vehicles powered by electrochemical generators will receive their further development in the coming years.