Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Combined with Battery and Flywheel Energy Storage for Sustainable Power and Clean Electric Trike Vehicle

Abstract

An electric personal three-wheeler, referred to as the Reverse Trike Electric Vehicle (RTEV), has been developed as a forward-looking solution for clean transportation within communities. This innovative vehicle integrates multiple energy storage systems, including the mechanical energy of a flywheel, the chemical energy of a hydrogen (H2) fuel cell system, and the chemical energy stored in a lithium-ion battery. The vehicle is powered by a 500-watt, 48-volt platform that incorporates a DC brushless electric motor, a battery, and a fuel-cell. Hydrogen is stored in two steel tube containers filled with ultra-high purity (UHP) hydrogen, with output pressure ranging from 10 to 35 psi. The lithium battery pack features a configuration of 13 series and 3 parallel (13S3P) cells, assembled using 18650-sized lithium-ion cells. Additionally, two flywheels of varying mass were utilized in the design. The prototype underwent testing both indoors on a dynamometer test bed and outdoors on community roads for analysis. The results from these tests clearly demonstrate the contributions of each energy storage system to the vehicle's power traction and distance performance, showcasing the effectiveness of this multi-faceted approach to clean transportation.