Fuel economy simulation of a reformer-linked vehicular fuel cell system

The present paper deals with the fuel saving potential of reformer-linked vehicular fuel cell systems. Different fuel cell types are considered, modeled, and integrated in a full vehicle simulation system. As system topology both an auxiliary power unit system as well as a fuel cell traction system is simulated. The results of the paper are fuel saving calculations for several driving cycles. The fuel saving potential of reformer-linked fuel cell systems is very high, thus, the application of these systems could be an intermediate step on the way to future fuel cell vehicles.