The Operation of HT-PEM Fuel Cells Coupled to Lithium Ion Batteries in a Fleet of Light Passenger Vehicles

High temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cells offer some advantages over their low temperature equivalent, but there have been relatively few reports into their use in vehicles. This paper describes the power train design and operation of a fleet of Microcab H2EV vehicles. The power train consisted of a HT-PEM fuel cell coupled via a DC/DC convertor to a lithium iron phosphate traction battery, which was then connected to two Lynch motors. The integration and operation of all the major power train components is described. Also described here is the vehicle control unit that uses digital and analog communications to provide overall management of the vehicle. Details are given of all the safety systems designed into the vehicle. Some data describing the performance of the H2EV power-train during typical drive cycles is presented, which shows that the system was functional. It is concluded that HT-PEM fuel cell light vehicles are viable, but the heating and cooling time of the fuel cell needs to be significantly reduced.