Internal Model Control of a Hydrogen-Fueled Genset for HEV Applications

This paper presents an internal model control (IMC)-based system for a hydrogen-fueled genset (H2ICE) which is used as an electric vehicle range extender. To minimize hydrogen usage, a maximum efficiency tracking module provides optimal operating conditions which must be imposed to the H2ICE. Since this genset is highly nonlinear, we select the IMC approach to build a real-time controller which must let the genset power production and engine speed to be as close as possible to the provided optimal operating conditions. Results obtained by simulation and experimental procedures show that this controller successfully tracks optimal operating conditions.