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THE FLOW METER-BASED MEASUREMENT OF HYDROGEN CONSUMPTION IN FUEL CELL ELECTRIC CARS

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International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 11 Issue: 05 | May 2024

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p-ISSN: 2395-0072

THE FLOW METER-BASED MEASUREMENT OF HYDROGEN CONSUMPTION IN FUEL CELL ELECTRIC CARS Rahul Singh1, Mr. Avinash Pandey2 1Master of Technology, Mechanical Engineering, SITM, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India

2Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SITM, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India

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Abstract - Energy consumption plays a crucial role in

electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with the only byproducts being water vapor and heat. This innovative technology boasts numerous advantages, such as quick refueling times and impressive driving ranges, making FCEVs a viable alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of convenience. Moreover, the hydrogen fuel used in FCEVs can be sourced from renewable sources, contributing to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions linked to transportation. Despite the promising aspects of FCEVs, there are still some hurdles that need to be overcome for widespread adoption. Challenges like the limited availability of hydrogen refueling stations and the high production costs associated with FCEVs are currently impeding their popularity. However, ongoing research and development efforts are dedicated to enhancing the efficiency, affordability, and accessibility of FCEVs, with the ultimate goal of creating a more sustainable and diverse transportation landscape for the future. Through continued innovation and advancements in technology, FCEVs are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of transportation towards a cleaner and greener direction.

assessing the competitiveness of fuel cell electric vehicles. An integral aspect in measuring energy consumption is the evaluation of hydrogen utilization, which can be accomplished through methodologies like the mass approach, the pressure/temperature approach, and the flowmeter approach. The flowmeter approach has garnered significant attention due to its straightforward operation, cost-effectiveness, and reliable real-time functionality. Recent studies have demonstrated the precision of the flowmeter approach under certain conditions. However, various factors in real-world scenarios, such as unintended vibrations, ambient temperatures, and the calibration of onboard hydrogen capacity, can impact the test results. Additionally, researchers have explored the use of a shortcut technique as an alternative to the depletion method to enhance testing efficiency. To determine whether the flowmeter approach, incorporating the shortcut technique, can accurately represent the hydrogen consumption of an actual vehicle, we conducted experiments and trials on both the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) using the same vehicle. The findings revealed that the shortcut technique can reduce the test duration by at least 50% compared to the depletion method. The error margin of the shortcut technique, based on the flowmeter, was found to be below 0.1% for the NEDC operational condition and 8.12% for the CLTC operational conditions. By integrating a throttle valve and a 4L buffer tank, the error margin was reduced from 8.12% to 4.76%. These test results underscore the importance of tailoring appropriate approaches for measuring hydrogen consumption based on the flowmeter and shortcut technique in line with specific circumstances.

1.1.Architectural diagram of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) The architectural diagram of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is a complex system that consists of several integral components working together harmoniously to facilitate the vehicle's functionality. At the heart of this diagram is the fuel cell stack, which is made up of individual fuel cells stacked on top of each other. These fuel cells receive hydrogen gas from high-pressure tanks located on the vehicle. Oxygen, on the other hand, is sourced from the surrounding air and supplied to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack. Inside each fuel cell, hydrogen molecules undergo a process where they split into protons and electrons at the anode. The protons then move through an electrolyte membrane to the cathode, while the electrons travel through an external circuit, generating electricity that powers the vehicle's motor. When the protons and electrons reunite with oxygen at the cathode, water vapor is produced, along with the release of heat as a byproduct.

Key Words: fuel cell electric vehicles, hydrogen consumption measurement, flowmeter, thermal flow sensor, onboard vehicle systems, emerging trends.

1.INTRODUCTION Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are a promising option for those looking to move away from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. These vehicles operate by utilizing hydrogen fuel cells to power their engines, resulting in zero harmful emissions being released into the environment. Unlike battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that rely on storing electricity in batteries, FCEVs produce

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