Yoshitaka Namekawa

Hybrid energy control using DC-DC converter for single operator fuel cell vehicle

We are developing a small, single operator fuel cell vehicle with a 1kW fuel cell, which we named the micro FCV. A hybrid energy control system using a DCDC converter was designed for the vehicle. We have entered into a micro FCV competition which challenges participants to develop vehicles which would deliver optimum performance at a low cost. During travel on flat surfaces, when the vehicle travels at constant speed, i.e. low power mode, a fuel cell is used. A battery and the fuel cell are used together when the vehicle operates in high power mode, i.e. while accelerating or ascending an incline. A micro computer controlled hybrid energy control system toggles between the energy flows dependent on the power requirements. Running experiments provided excellent performance results demonstrating that the micro FCV was able to operate efficiently using the hybrid energy control system which we developed. In this paper, we will discuss the designs of the micro FCV, the energy control system, the DCDC converter, and will provide the running experimental results.

Running management of single operator fuel cell vehicle

We are developing a small, single operator fuel cell vehicle with a 1kW fuel cell, which we named the micro FCV. A hybrid energy control system using a DCDC converter was designed for the vehicle. We have entered into a micro FCV competition, the World Green Challenge 2011 (WGC 2011), which challenges participants to develop vehicles which would deliver optimum performance at a low cost. During travel on flat surfaces using no acceleration, or low power mode, a fuel cell is used. A battery and the fuel cell are used when the vehicle operates in high power mode, i.e. while accelerating or ascending an incline. A micro computer controlled hybrid energy control system toggles between the energy flows dependent on the power requirements. Running experiments provided positive performance results demonstrating that the micro FCV was able to operate efficiently using the hybrid energy control system we developed. This paper discusses the running management of the micro FCV.

Dual drive train for single operator fuel cell vehicle

We are developing a single person operated small fuel cell vehicle with a 1kW fuel cell, which we named the micro FCV. A dual drive train system using a small motor and a reduction system has also been designed for the micro FCV. The dual drive train is installed on the left and right sides of the vehicle. By replacing the differential gear, we intend to reduce the overall cost of the mechanism by using a smaller motor. Running experimental results revealed that the micro FCV performed as desired using the dual drive train system. This paper will present the designs of the micro FCV, the motor, the reduction system, the rear drive system, the vehicle state monitoring system, and the experimental results.