Optimization of Compressor Power Supply and Control Systems for Automotive Fuel Cell Drive Train Applications

Whilst carrying out investigations into a variety of different fuel cell drive train configurations, a common problem of great inefficiency during urban driving was identified. The major source of loss causing this inefficiency was identified as the fuel cell compressor system. This study details the ideas and results of a system which uses an alternative control structure to power the compressor from the vehicles battery packs during periods of least efficiency in order to increase the efficiency and therefore the range of the vehicle during urban driving. The system provided moderate gains in range on one of the topologies it was implemented on whilst causing increased losses on the other two. It did however provide a potential control system for boosting the urban efficiency of one of the topologies that could be implemented at little extra cost and design complexity