Modelling and simulation of a photovoltaic-fuel cell hybrid vehicle

Reasons such as increasing demand, environmental pollution and climate change despite decreasing fossil resources constitute a major problem and precautions should be taken against this situation. Researchers have been doing various studies to solve these problems by using renewable energy sources more in transportation. The use and development of electric and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is an important alternative in this regard. HEAs are vehicles where energy needs can be met with more than one source. In order to meet the energy needs of these vehicles, solar energy and hydrogen energy from renewable sources are the most suitable sources. Fuel cells (FCs) are the components that can convert hydrogen energy into electrical energy. FC power generation systems are one of the appropriate alternative to conventional internal combustion engines due to its high efficiency, less dependence on conventional fuels, improved fuel economy and environmental friendliness due to low emissions. Especially proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) draw attention with their advantages such as high power density and low operating temperature. Photovoltaic (PV) panel, which can convert the radiation energy from the sun into electrical energy, is an environmentally friendly energy source. Nowadays, although various studies have been carried out in this field, PV panels are not appropriate for use as the sole energy source in long driving conditions, since they cannot provide enough energy for driving alone. Hence, they can be used with an FC to increase driving range and energy efficiency. In FC powered HEVs, batteries are also used in order to provide the required energy in long driving conditions and to store the excess energy. However, in case of using more than one source, energy management and optimization are required for the vehicle to work efficiently. Therefore, more studies should be made on HEVs to increase energy efficiency. In this thesis, an HEV having PEMFC and PV panel as energy sources along with a Li-ion battery package are modeled. Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is used to provide propulsion to the HEV. The whole HEV is modeled in Matlab Simulink software. The several Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers have been designed so that the components used in the HEV can work more efficiently. One of them is designed for tracking the cycle speed in the driver model, another one for speed tracking in the PMSM model, and the last one for current control in the direct current-direct current (DC-DC) amplifier used for the fuel cell. The whole HEV model is simulated in the highway fuel economy test (HWFET) driving cycle and the cycle speed is intended to be followed. An energy management algorithm has been developed to provide uninterrupted energy for HEV, improve battery life and increase driving range. Thus, how the vehicle components will work in different conditions has been tested and the results have been examined.