A highly modular simulation model for hybrid electric fuel cell power drive trains

Over the last decade there has been an increasing interest on power drive train topologies for hybrid electric fuel cell vehicles. A review of previous publications revealed that little work provided direct comparisons between the topologies. This paper details the development of a simulation model that has formed the basis of an assessment of all the topologies, addressing the advantages and disadvantages of each circuit. By using a modular design concept the simulation model provided a fast method for evaluating a large variety of complex power drive train topologies from a single set of common power train components on a single vehicle chassis allowing valid conclusions to be drawn and provide the basis for future work on developing and improving existing systems and formulating new topologies.