Hybrid Fuel Cell Power Train Development Considering Electrochemical Power Source Degradation

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The objective of this research is to develop innovative materials, assembly configuration and operation modes for polymer membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks and fuel cell hybrid vehicle power trains through a reliability engineering process. Specifically this research is to develop reliability and component effectiveness models for polymer membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks, and fuel cell power trains including linkage of the failure modes to material degradation phenomenon. As PEM fuel cells approach commercialization in automotive applications in 2015, the need to understand degradation and failure mechanisms is even greater. The overall approach is to develop failure mode correlations and models at the single cell level first; then to use these models in the development of stack life cycle models, and finally to scale up model into actual hybrid power train models for vehicles and other applications. Information and modelling will allow for diagnosis and prediction of the life of the electrochemical power sources, and facilitate a 'model based design' approach. It will be critical to understand their performance at both beginning of life and end of life (EOL). Consumer expectations such a vehicle performance, efficiency, range, life and cost will be greatly affected by power train configurations and control strategies. The control strategies must be able to adapt to the vehicle's drive cycle, environmental condition, and electrochemical power source state of health (SOH) over the life of the vehicle.