Optimal fuel cell system design considering functional performance and production costs

In this work the optimization-based, integrated concurrent design method is applied to the modelling, analysis, and design of a transportation fuel cell system. A general optimal design model considering both functional performance and production costs is first introduced. Using the Ballard Mark V Transit Bus fuel cell system as an example, the study explores the intrinsic relations among various fuel cell system performance and cost aspects to provide insights for new cost-effective designs. A joint performance and cost Ž optimization is carried out to demonstrate this new approach. This approach breaks the traditional barrier between design concerning . Ž . functional performance and manufacturing concerning production costs , allowing both functional performance and production costs to be fed into design phase and to be jointly optimized. q 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.