A Software Simulation Program for a Hybrid Fuel Cell –Battery Power Supply for an Electric Fork Lift

This paper presents the development of a software simulation program for an electric forklift powered by a hybrid fuel cell - battery power supply. The power supply is based on a range extender active hybrid configuration, where a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is used to continuously charge a flooded lead-acid battery on-board the forklift. The program involved modelling the discharging and charging characteristics of a flooded lead-acid battery along with the fuel consumption of the PEM fuel cell and the power consumed by the fuel cell's balance of plant components.