Operation of Fuel Cell Systems in Challenging Thermal Environmental Conditions

Authors

C. Doppler, B. Lechner, A. Romero Mancebo, D. Schlueter,R. Schruth, VIRTUAL VEHICLE Research GmbH, Graz; C. Ahamer, B. Schobesberger, E. Wahlmüller, M. Zarhuber, PlasticOmnium New Energies, Wels:

Year

2024

Print Info

Production/Publication ÖVK

Summary

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) will play an important role in the decarbonisation of future mobility systems with zero local emissions, reduced noise levels, and - as further advantage - offering energy storage with long range potential / for continuous use. This makes fuel cells particularly attractive for the operation of heavy commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, construction site vehicles, mining vehicles and fire trucks. However, there still exist major technical challenges to be tackled, like cooling requirements during high ambient temperatures, handling high concentrations of harmful gases and dust in the process air, as well as sensitivity to vibrations and inclined positions. The above-mentioned specialised areas of application are also very cost-sensitive, and the fuel cell also must antagonize alternative technologies.

This report focuses on methods for optimising thermal management during a worst-case scenario, namely driving the Brenner Highway with a heavy-duty truck at elevated ambient temperatures. An increase in the radiator frontal area size, integration of a heat sink into the cooling circuit, increasing the maximum temperature of the fuel cell and the variation of the battery size are analysed. Basically, the fuel cell system supplies the average load and power peaks are absorbed by the battery. A configuration is shown with which the Brenner Highway can be carried out within the specifications even at highest summer ambient temperatures. An outlook is given on the further potential for improvement in fuel cell drives.

ISBN

978-3-9504969-3-2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62626/18ba-r4n5