EFFICIENCIES OF HYDROGEN STORAGE SYSTEMS ONBOARD FUEL CELL VEHICLES

摘要

Energy efficiency, vehicle weight, driving range, and fuel economy are compared among fuel cell vehicles (FCV) with different types of fuel storage and battery- powered electric vehicles. Three options for onboard fuel storage are examined and compared in order to evaluate the most energy efficient option of storing fuel in fuel cell vehicles: compressed hydrogen gas storage, metal hydride storage, and onboard reformer of methanol derived from renewable energy. Component efficiencies are from the literature, and ADVISOR is used for mileage test simulation. The battery powered electric vehicle has the highest efficiency of conversion from solar energy as the primary source for a driving range of 300 miles. Among the fuel cell vehicles, the most efficient is the vehicle with onboard compressed hydrogen storage. The compressed gas FCV is also the leader in four other categories: vehicle weight for a given range, driving range for a given weight, efficiency starting with fossil fuels, and miles per gallon equivalent (also better than a hybrid electric) on simulated urban and highway tests.