Jeep Commander 2 Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Demonstration Vehicle

摘要

On board fuel reforming for fuel cells is a necessity until hydrogen storage can achieve competitivernstorage weight percent and efficiency along with energy density compared to liquid fuels. Arnhybridized powertrain (fuel cell engine and battery pack) provides better performance, capturesrnbraking energy and allows for more optimization of the on-board fuel reforming fuel cell engine.rnBased on a similar concept as the Jeep Commander, the Jeep Commander 2 implements a methanolrnreforming fuel cell engine to explore the advantages of hybrid configuration between a 50 kW ProtonrnExchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell engine and a 90 kW nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack.rnThis concept hybrid electric (HEV) vehicle demonstrates responsive driving performance and therninherent flexibility of the fuel cell engine, which allows for zero cabin intrusion packaging ofrncomponents. Preliminary road and dynamometer testing results show good driving performance, fuelrneconomy and emissions results. However, significant improvements are needed on fuel reformingrnsystem to achieve competitive levels of power density, cost and reliability to internal combustionrnengines.