Hydrogen safety monitoring on Challenge X vehicle

In 2006, 17 Universities across the U.S. competed in the US Department of Energy´s ¿Challenge X,¿ a project based on reengineering a GM Equinox to minimize energy consumption and emissions while meeting or exceeding the performance of the original vehicle. The team from Texas Tech University used National Instruments CompactRIO Programmable Automation Controller (PACs) and the LabVIEW Real-Time Operating System to monitor H2 tank pressure, temperature and deionized water status. By receiving commands directly from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) the PACs controlled the fuel cell to not only power the air conditioner and charge the batteries in the car, but also power a Belt Alternator Starter (BAS). NI PACs were also used to monitor and trigger the emergency stop system within the vehicle, If alarming levels of hydrogen are sensed anywhere within the vehicle. The Texas Tech team was able to install an in-dash display which included easy to-view information on battery status, current mode of the hydrogen fuel cell, voltage and the state of the cRIO automation system.