Electric Vehicle (EV): Energy Management of Battery - PEMFC

Reference Paper Z. Mokrani, “Proposed energy management strategy in electric vehicle for recovering power excess produced by fuel cells"

Electric Vehicle (EV): An Energy Management of Battery - PEM Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Hybrid Energy Storage.

Abstract:

The growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions in electric vehicles (EVs) has led to increased interest in hybrid energy storage systems. This project presents a comprehensive study on the integration of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) with a battery bank to enhance power reliability and energy efficiency in EVs. A 3 kW hybrid powertrain model is developed, with a focus on intelligent energy management to ensure uninterrupted power delivery under varying load conditions. Two distinct power management control (PMC) strategies are introduced: the first based on real-time power balancing between the sources, and the second incorporating a recovery mechanism to redirect excess fuel cell energy into an auxiliary storage system. This adaptive control logic is implemented using a four-switch configuration, enabling dynamic response to both load variations and surplus generation. The system is modeled and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink, and results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed supervision, control and energy management. This study demonstrates the practical viability of PEMFC-battery hybrid systems and highlights the role of smart control strategies in advancing electric vehicle technology.

Keywords: Electric Vehicle, Battery, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), and Energy management.

Main Reference Paper

1. Z. Mokrani and D. Rekioua and N. Mebarki and T. Rekioua and S. Bacha, “Proposed energy management strategy in electric vehicle for recovering power excess produced by fuel cells”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 42, no. 30, pp. 19556-19575, 2017.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319917324205

2. Zahra Mokrani, Djamila Rekioua, Toufik Rekioua, “Modeling, control and power management of hybrid photovoltaic fuel cells with battery bank supplying electric vehicle”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 39, Issue 27, pp. 15178-15187, 2014.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.03.215. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319914009434.

3. N. Mebarki, T. Rekioua, Z. Mokrani, D. Rekioua, “Supervisor control for stand-alone photovoltaic/hydrogen/ battery bank system to supply energy to an electric vehicle”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 40, Issue 39, pp. 13777-13788, 2015.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.03.024 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319915005923

4. N. Mebarki, T. Rekioua, Z. Mokrani, D. Rekioua, S. Bacha, “PEM fuel cell/ battery storage system supplying electric vehicle”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 41, Issue 45, pp. 20993-21005, 2016.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.05.208

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319916309600

5. Faika Zaouche, Djamila Rekioua, Jean-Paul Gaubert, Zahra Mokrani, “Supervision and control strategy for photovoltaic generators with battery storage”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 42, Issue 30,

pp. 19536-19555, 2017.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.06.107

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319917324217

Conclusion

This research investigates a hybrid energy storage system comprising Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) and batteries to meet the dynamic and often unpredictable power demands of electric vehicles (EVs). Recognizing the limitations of fuel cells in handling peak load conditions and their relatively slow transient response, the integration of a battery bank was proposed as a complementary energy source. The resulting hybrid system, designed to supply a 3 kW EV powertrain, is modelled mathematically and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink to assess its real-time performance under various operating conditions.

A key contribution of this study is the development and implementation of two distinct Power Management Control (PMC) strategies aimed at optimizing energy utilization, ensuring operational continuity, and minimizing losses. The first strategy adopts a power-balancing approach, designed primarily to illustrate energy flow between the fuel cells and battery storage. This method ensures that the energy demand from the EV is met by appropriately dividing the load between the two sources based on instantaneous power requirements. However, this approach, while effective for basic load-sharing, does not capitalize on periods when the fuel cell generates excess energy.

To address this gap, a second, more advanced energy management strategy is introduced. This enhanced strategy incorporates four controlled switching elements that dynamically manage power distribution not only between the main sources but also toward an auxiliary energy storage channel. The fourth switch, in particular, is dedicated to capturing and storing surplus energy generated during low-demand phases, thereby preventing energy waste and improving overall system efficiency. This predictive and recovery-oriented control logic allows the system to adapt to fluctuations in load demand and energy generation, significantly improving energy conservation and battery life.

The control logic behind both strategies is carefully designed to balance system performance, efficiency, and reliability. The algorithms intelligently coordinate the roles of the fuel cell and the battery in real-time: the fuel cell primarily handles the base load due to its high efficiency at steady-state operation, while the battery supplements short term high power demands and absorbs regenerative or excess energy.

Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategies. The hybrid system consistently delivers uninterrupted power to the EV, demonstrating improved energy utilization, reduced stress on individual components, and an extended system lifespan. Moreover, the incorporation of energy recovery mechanisms reflects a forward-thinking approach to energy management critical in future EV architectures where efficiency and sustainability are paramount.

In conclusion, this work not only reinforces the technical viability of PEMFC-battery hybrid systems for electric vehicles but also underscores the importance of smart energy management in maximizing their potential. By introducing advanced control strategies capable of real-time power optimization and energy recovery, this research lays a foundational framework for future developments in electric mobility. The proposed methodology paves the way for more intelligent, adaptive, and efficient EV energy systems, with promising applications in both consumer and commercial electric transportation sectors.

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%% PROJECT: Electric Vehicle (EV): An Energy Management of Battery - 
%% PEM Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Hybrid Energy Storage.
%% Main Reference Paper
% Z. Mokrani and D. Rekioua and N. Mebarki and T. Rekioua and S. Bacha, 
% “Proposed energy management strategy in electric vehicle for recovering power 
% excess produced by fuel cells”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 42, 
% no. 30, pp. 19556-19575, 2017.
% https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319917324205
%__________________________________________________________________
clear;
close all;
% Define SOC limits
SOCmin = 30;
SOCmax = 90;
% Inputs
SOC = input('Enter SOC = ');
PFC = input('Enter PFC = ');
PLOAD = input('Enter PLOAD = ');
% Power difference
delP = PFC - PLOAD;
% Mode and control logic
if delP == 0
    % Mode 3: No power exchange
    Mode = 3;
    K1 = 0; K2 = 1; K3 = 0; K4 = 0;
elseif delP > 0  % Surplus Power Available (PFC > PLOAD)
    if PLOAD == 0
        % Mode 8: Idle (no load, fully supplied)
        Mode = 8;
        K1 = 0; K2 = 0; K3 = 0; K4 = 1;
    elseif SOC < SOCmax
        % Mode 1: Battery Charging
        Mode = 1;
        K1 = 1; K2 = 1; K3 = 0; K4 = 0;
    else
        % Mode 7: Bypass excess power (battery full)
        Mode = 7;
        K1 = 0; K2 = 1; K3 = 0; K4 = 1;
    end
elseif delP < 0  % Power Deficit (PFC < PLOAD)
    if SOC > SOCmin
        if PFC == 0
            % Mode 4: Pure battery discharge
            Mode = 4;
            K1 = 0; K2 = 0; K3 = 1; K4 = 0;
        else
            % Mode 2: Hybrid supply (PFC + battery)
            Mode = 2;
            K1 = 0; K2 = 1; K3 = 1; K4 = 0;
        end
    elseif PFC == 0
        % Mode 6: Total shutdown (no power sources)
        Mode = 6;
        K1 = 0; K2 = 0; K3 = 0; K4 = 0;
    else
        % Mode 5: Only PFC supports load (battery at SOCmin)
        Mode = 5;
        K1 = 1; K2 = 0; K3 = 0; K4 = 0;
    end
end
% Output the selected mode and switches
fprintf('Selected Mode = %d\n', Mode);
fprintf('K1 = %d, K2 = %d, K3 = %d, K4 = %d\n', K1, K2, K3, K4);