Paper Title
CUSTOMIZING THE POWERTRAIN OF A HYBRID FUEL CELL CITY BUS: A SIMULATION STUDY

Abstract
The global automotive industry has continually evolved to enhance vehicle performance, driveability, and mitigate environmental impact. The impending Euro VII emission standards and 'Fit for 55' regulations in Europe underscore the industry's shift toward zero-emission technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales, challenges persist, including limited driving range and high battery costs. This paper explores hybrid fuel cell (HFC) technology as a viable alternative to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in heavy-duty transport. BEVs, relying on lithium-ion batteries, face limitations in energy density, leading to trade-offs between vehicle weight and range. Hydrogen, with its high energy density, presents a promising alternative. However, HFC systems, integrating fuel cells and batteries, pose challenges in terms of energy consumption and material utilization. The study delves into the powertrain dynamics of a representative HFC car, emphasizing the importance of a relatively compact yet powerful traction battery. In the context of buses, differing dynamics necessitate a hybrid approach due to variable power demands. The research employs real-world data to model and evaluate the energy consumption of a HFC bus, utilizing AVL CRUISE software. The research focuses on a 12-meter city bus equipped with Li-ion batteries and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). AVL CRUISE software models the HFC propulsion system, encompassing vehicle dynamics, fuel cell, battery, and ancillaries. The model is calibrated using on-road measurements, demonstrating alignment with real-world data. Simulation results unveil the energy consumption of the bus in actual working conditions, considering parameters such as speed, torque, and power demand. The energy management system (EMS) strategy is analyzed, emphasizing the role of FC and battery power in optimizing fuel efficiency. The overall energy consumption is discussed, indicating the suitability of the investigated bus for sustainable transport. In conclusion, the developed HFC bus model provides insights into hydrogen/energy consumption under real-world conditions. The study's applications include economic evaluations for transitioning from diesel to HFC propulsion, sizing components, energy management optimization, and infrastructure planning. Tailoring infrastructure and fleet configuration can minimize both energy consumption and total cost of ownership. Keywords - City bus, Hydrogen fuel, Fuel-cell, Modelling, Simulation, Energy consumption.