Like all-electric vehicles, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars, also known as Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), utilize electricity to power their electric motors. However, unlike battery electric vehicles that solely rely on batteries for power, hydrogen fuel cell cars generate their electricity onboard through a fuel cell. This fuel cell is powered by hydrogen. Vehicle manufacturers design FCEVs with electric motors of varying sizes, determining the vehicle’s power. These motors receive electrical energy from a combination of a fuel cell and a battery, appropriately sized for the vehicle’s performance needs.
Key Components Explained
Auxiliary Battery: Similar to conventional cars and electric vehicles, a low-voltage auxiliary battery in a hydrogen fuel cell car provides the initial power to start the vehicle and operate accessories before the main traction battery engages.
Battery Pack: The high-voltage battery pack in a hydrogen fuel cell car serves a dual purpose. It stores energy recovered from regenerative braking, enhancing efficiency. Additionally, it provides supplemental power to the electric traction motor, especially during periods of high demand like quick acceleration.
DC/DC Converter: This component plays a crucial role in power management. The DC/DC converter transforms the high-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack into lower-voltage DC power. This lower voltage is necessary to operate the car’s various accessories and to recharge the auxiliary battery.
Electric Traction Motor (FCEV): The electric traction motor is what propels the hydrogen fuel cell car. It draws power from both the fuel cell and the traction battery pack to drive the vehicle’s wheels. Some advanced designs incorporate motor generators that handle both driving and regenerative braking functions.
Fuel Cell Stack: At the heart of a hydrogen fuel cell car is the fuel cell stack. This assembly is composed of multiple individual membrane electrodes. Within these electrodes, a chemical reaction takes place using hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in the production of electricity. This electricity is then used to power the vehicle.
Fuel Filler: Refueling a hydrogen fuel cell car is similar to refueling a gasoline car. A nozzle from a hydrogen fuel dispenser connects to the vehicle’s fuel receptacle to fill the hydrogen tank.
Hydrogen Fuel Tank: This tank is designed to safely store hydrogen gas onboard the vehicle. It holds the hydrogen fuel until it is required by the fuel cell to generate electricity. The size of this tank dictates the vehicle’s range.
Power Electronics Controller (FCEV): This unit acts as the brain of the FCEV’s power system. It manages the flow of electrical energy from both the fuel cell and the traction battery. By controlling this flow, it regulates the speed of the electric traction motor and the torque it generates, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
Thermal Management System (Cooling) – (FCEV): Maintaining the correct operating temperature is vital for the efficient and reliable function of a hydrogen fuel cell car. The thermal system regulates the temperature of the fuel cell, electric motor, power electronics, and other critical components, preventing overheating or undercooling.
Transmission (Electric): The transmission in a hydrogen fuel cell car, like in other electric vehicles, transfers the mechanical power generated by the electric traction motor to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move.
