Cooperation of a PEM fuel cell and a NiMH battery at various states of its charge in a FCHEV drive

The development of electromobility is focused on the design and implementation of increasingly more effective electric drives. In such a system, apart from energy recovery, it is not possible to recharge the batteries while driving. Electric vehicles equipped with fuel cells and a battery (FCHEV – fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle) in a parallel configuration boast increased energy transfer capabilities. The article presents an energy flow analysis in a parallel hybrid drive system with fuel cells and a battery. The research was carried out on a 30 W vehicle made in 1:10 scale with a NiMH battery and a fuel cell with a proton exchange membrane (PEM). Increasing driving dynamics causes a 29% increase in energy consumption, 43.6% reduction of energy transfer from a fuel cell and a 23% increase of in the energy share intended for battery charging. Continuous operation of the system in full power mode ensures a much greater efficiency of energy transmission to the drive train (95%) compared to the system operating in dynamic driving conditions – 64–75%.