Optimal power split in fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with different battery sizes, drive cycles, and objectives

This paper explores different hybridization levels of a vehicle powered by a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack. The energy buffer considered is a lead-acid type battery. The effects of the battery size on hydrogen consumption and stack dynamic loading for different drive cycles are determined when dynamic programming determines the optimal current drawn from the fuel cell stack system. The optimal power split policies are analyzed to quantify all the energy losses and their paths in an effort to clarify the hybridization needs for a fuel cell vehicle