Online Energy Management Strategy for a Fuel Cell Hybrid Self Guided Vehicle

Energy management strategies (EMSs) adapt new methods to split power ideally among power sources. In this manuscript, an EMS based on a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is proposed for a fuel cell (FC) hybrid self-guided vehicle (SGV). First, a complete powertrain model of the SGV is developed. Subsequently, a dynamic battery model and a FC semi-empirical model are respectively employed to estimate the battery state of charge (SOC) and FC output voltage. Finally, an EMS is developed using the combination of FLC and online system identification for an active FC-battery power system topology. All models were tested with robotic operating system (ROS). Primary results show preservation of battery SOC at high levels during SGV missions which reduces downtime for recharging, and efficient power distribution between FC and battery.