Journal of Automobile Engineering and Applications

FUEL CELL-PV HYBRID SYSTEM FOR EVs

  1. Carlos Armenta-Deu

Abstract

This paper studies and analyzes a hybrid system consisting of a fuel cell unit and flexible photovoltaic panels to power electric vehicles. Hydrogen in a storage tank powers the fuel cell; the tank recharges by an onboard electrolyzer connected to the photovoltaic panels. Fuel cell unit operates in a closed loop to enhance efficiency and to avoid water waste and oxygen pollution with ambient gasses. A distilled water tank, connected to the electrolyzer, assures the refilling in case of water leakage. The hydrogen storage tank has a connection for an external recharging system if necessary. PV panels also supply energy to the vehicle's ancillary equipment. The proposed system applies to short-distance urban routes where we can recharge the hydrogen tank during long stops of working time, a common situation in large cities.

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