⚡ MATLAB Implementation of Fuel Cell–Battery Driven Electric Vehicle
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A hybrid energy system model for efficient EV propulsion and energy management
Electric vehicles (EVs) powered by hybrid energy storage systems offer superior performance, extended driving range, and better energy utilization. In this article, we explore a MATLAB/Simulink implementation of a Fuel Cell–Battery Driven Electric Vehicle, where a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a lithium-ion battery work together to power a BLDC motor drive.
This hybrid configuration ensures reliable propulsion, effective power sharing, and enhanced vehicle efficiency under varying operating conditions.
🔋🌬️ System Overview
The MATLAB model integrates:
1️⃣ Fuel Cell Stack
Rated Voltage: 24 V
Rated Power: 1.26 kW
Nominal Operating Point:
Voltage ≈ 24.23 V
Current ≈ 52 A
Maximum Operating Point:
Voltage ≈ 20 V
Current ≈ 100 A
Peak Output ≈ 2 kW
The fuel cell is used as the primary energy source, and its parameters (voltage, current, power) are fed to the MPPT controller for optimal power extraction.
⚡ 2️⃣ Boost Converter with MPPT Control
Since the fuel cell voltage (≈24 V) is insufficient to drive the EV, a boost converter steps it up to a regulated 48 V DC bus shared with the battery.
▪ MPPT Algorithm (Perturb and Observe)
The boost converter is controlled using a P&O (Perturb and Observe) MPPT algorithm:
Measures fuel cell voltage & current
Computes power and voltage change (ΔP, ΔV)
Adjusts duty cycle accordingly
Ensures maximum power extraction
PWM generator converts duty cycle into MOSFET switching pulses
This allows the fuel cell to operate at its maximum efficiency point, especially during acceleration and steady cruising.
🔋 3️⃣ Battery Pack
Voltage: 48 V
Capacity: 200 Ah
Provides energy during load transients and low fuel cell output
Supports regenerative charging (if implemented later)
Ensures uninterrupted vehicle operation
The battery transitions between charging and discharging based on fuel cell availability and motor demand.
🚗 4️⃣ BLDC Motor Drive for EV Propulsion
A Brushless DC Motor (BLDC) is used as the traction motor:
Powered via a 3-phase Voltage Source Inverter (VSI)
Hall sensors provide rotor position
Back-EMF logic creates switching pulses (Q1–Q6)
Truth tables and zero-crossing detection generate commutation signals
This ensures smooth torque production, stable speed, and efficient vehicle propulsion.
🧪 Simulation Scenarios & Results
The model evaluates EV behavior under changing fuel supply conditions:
🔸 Scenario 1: Normal Fuel Cell Operation (1 atm)
Fuel cell produces ~2000 W
Voltage ≈ 20 V, current ≈ 100 A
Battery remains in charging mode
BLDC motor maintains stable speed and torque
Stator current & back-EMF remain sinusoidal
This represents ideal driving conditions where the fuel cell provides sufficient power for both traction and charging.
🔸 Scenario 2: Reduced Fuel Pressure (0.5 atm)
After 4 seconds, fuel pressure is changed from 1 atm → 0.5 atm:
Fuel cell power decreases significantly
Battery charging current reduces
Motor continues to run steadily at set speed
System adjusts smoothly due to hybrid energy balancing
This demonstrates partial derating of the fuel cell.
🔸 Scenario 3: No Fuel Supply (0 atm)
Fuel pressure becomes zero at a later time:
Fuel cell power drops to almost zero
Battery takes over propulsion
Battery current switches from negative (charging) to positive (discharging)
SoC begins to decrease as motor load is fully supported
Motor speed, torque, and stator current remain stable
This highlights the importance of the battery backup system in fuel cell EVs.
⚡ Key Observations
The fuel cell-battery combination ensures uninterrupted operation, even when the fuel cell alone cannot meet the demand.
The P&O MPPT algorithm successfully extracts maximum power from the fuel cell at all feasible operating points.
BLDC motor speed and torque are well-regulated, independent of fuel cell transients.
Battery SoC clearly shows charging/discharging behavior based on fuel cell availability.
🏁 Conclusion
This MATLAB/Simulink model effectively demonstrates a hybrid fuel cell–battery powered electric vehicle, showcasing:
✔ Efficient energy sharing between fuel cell and battery✔ Stable EV propulsion under dynamic conditions✔ Accurate MPPT-based fuel cell power extraction✔ Smooth BLDC motor operation using Hall-based commutation
Such hybrid energy systems are becoming essential for next-generation EVs, offering improved range, reliability, and efficiency.
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