Simulating energy management in a lightweight hybrid vehicle with fuel cells and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries

Abstract

A compact electric vehicle was simulated utilizing the Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR), a MATLAB/Simulink-based program. The primary power source for the vehicle was a 200W small Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, complemented by AA-type Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries serving as backup energy sources. Each NiMH battery had a voltage of 1.2V and a capacity of 1.9Ah. The performance of both the PEM fuel cell and the NiMH batteries was evaluated using an electronic load to meet the power requirements of the hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle operated in three distinct modes: Starting Mode, Accelerating Mode, and Steady Mode, each with its specific configurations. Simulation results revealed that the batteries successfully initiated the drivetrain in the Starting Mode, while the fuel cell provided support during the Accelerating Mode. In Steady Mode, as the battery state of charge decreased, the PEM fuel cell seamlessly supported the battery and powered the load simultaneously. Various matching schemes were analyzed to meet the dynamic performance requirements of the vehicle and achieve the optimal synergy between the fuel cell and NiMH battery. The study aimed to identify the most effective configuration to ensure efficient energy management and dynamic performance in different operational modes of the hybrid vehicle.