POUJOL, Marin (University of Orleans), COLIN, Guillaume (Univ. Orléans), Charlet, Alain (Univ. Orléans)

Optimal energy management for an hybrid vehicle based on SOFC with anode gas recirculation and waste heat recovery system

Scheduled for presentation during the Regular Session "Modelling, optimization and diagnostics of fuel cells" (MoB1), Monday, June 16, 2025, 15:30−15:50, Kapel

AAC 2025 11th IFAC International Symposium on Advances in Automotive Control, June 15-18, 2025, Eindhoven, Netherlands

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on May 31, 2025

Abstract

The electrification of vehicles is a promising solution for reducing pollution in the automotive sector, but range limitations remain a challenge. This study explores an optimal energy management strategy for an electric vehicle and a range-extender system composed by a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) integrated with a waste heat recovery system and anode gas recirculation to enhance efficiency. The SOFC system is complemented by a waste heat recovery system to optimize energy utilization. By incorporating anode gas recirculation, unreacted hydrogen is reintroduced, improving overall efficiency at low hydrogen flow rates, despite dilution of the channel with water. Two energy management strategies are analyzed: one optimizing hydrogen usage by maximizing SOFC efficiency and another balancing SOFC and waste heat recovery power outputs. Two optimal control problems are formulated, aiming to minimize hydrogen consumption while maintaining system constraints. Simulation results demonstrate the potential of gas recirculation and optimal control strategies to significantly enhance system efficiency and vehicle range.