Robust Control and Unified Operation of Integrated Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle and Supercapacitor

The slow response rate of fuel cells (FC) proves to hinder the progression of fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs). In this paper, a unified robust nonlinear control technique is designed for FCHEV-integrated supercapacitors (SC). Therefore, the FCHEV's requirements can be systematically balanced between FC with high energy density and SC with high power density. Accordingly, the hybrid energy storage system enables better driving range as well as a comparatively lower weight than battery-based electric vehicles. The proposed control technique utilizes feedback linearization in combination with sliding mode control to mitigate the impact of system uncertainties with minimal tracking error. The efficacy is demonstrated based on the presented DC-bus voltage regulation, SC current, and FC current.