Analytical approach to predict hydrogen consumption of a lightweight PEM fuel cell vehicle

This paper reports the methodology to predict the hydrogen consumption for fuel cell vehicle (FCV). Preliminary studies has been conducted to predict fuel consumption of fuel cell vehicle for Shell Eco Marathon competition. In the design process, the starting point is to evaluate the actual performance of the fuel cell stack before applied to the model of vehicle power demand. Both experimental and numerical method has been conducted. Predictions are based on two inputs which is vehicle speed and hill slope. The relationship between power demand and hydrogen consumption are presented and discussed. Finally, driving simulation was performed under aggressive and passive driving conditions and the mileage for every kWh of fuel energy was evaluated. Under average speed of 35 km/h speed and zero slope, the specific range was calculated at 958.2 km/kWh.