PEMFC-Based Hybrid Electric Vehicles a Comprehensive Review of Power Management, Challenges, and Optimization Strategies

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable transportation has accelerated research into fuel-cell-based hybrid electric vehicles (FC-HEVs), particularly those powered by proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). PEMFCs offer high energy conversion efficiency, low operating temperature, rapid start-up capability, and zero tailpipe emissions, making them a promising alternative to conventional internal combustion engine powertrains. However, the intermittent nature of vehicle load demand, limited dynamic response of PEMFCs, degradation under transient operating conditions, and high system cost present significant challenges to their widespread adoption. Hybridization of PEMFCs with secondary energy storage systems, such as lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, or battery–supercapacitor combinations, provides an effective approach for improving vehicle performance, energy efficiency, durability, and regenerative braking capability. This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of PEMFC-based hybrid electric vehicle architectures, focusing on power management, energy management strategies, system-level challenges, and optimization techniques. Different hybrid powertrain configurations, including passive, semi-active, and fully active topologies, are examined with respect to power-flow control, component utilization, efficiency, and dynamic performance. Particular attention is given to optimization methods employed to minimize hydrogen consumption, battery degradation, fuel-cell degradation, and overall operating cost while maintaining required vehicle performance.