Simulation analysis of fuel cell integration in a hybrid car

Abstract

Fuel cell is one of the green technologies that can help reduce toxic gas and decreasing effect of greenhouse gases in the world. This paper attempts to improve simulation model of fuel cell system that is easy to use and at the same time have an acceptable accuracy. The simulation model is developed through Matlab/Simulink software using Energetic Macroscopic Representation method which accuracy is compared with an established model. Simulation analysis of fuel cell integration is conducted by using experimental data from a real hybrid car. There are two potential types of system that were considered for the hybrid car in term of electricity generation and power produced to move the car, a full fuel cell car or a hybrid of fuel cell and battery. Analysis reveals that the hybrid car using combination of fuel cell and battery system is more effective compared to the car using fully fuel cell system due to factors that prevents fuel cell wide utilization for the vehicle.