Power consumption and design optimization of a sustainable H fuel cell powered vehicle

Abstract

The present research envisages the design, analysis and development of a highly aerodynamic hydrogen fuel cell powered single seater prototype vehicle with optimized power consumption. Computational design optimization strategy is employed to achieve an aerodynamically sustainable body. The Vehicle-Unfrozen Hawk, a zero emission - three wheeler prototype, is designed with tadpole configuration and gullwing[1] doors to provide highly efficient aerodynamic performance. Green Vehicles, are assumed to be equipped with a low and limited power generating units like fuel cells, battery etc. A highly optimized and validated design approach is required to reduce drag force and vehicle weight, thus power consumption. This paper is concerned, first with the optimization problem of the analysis of frame and outer body. The final design is simulated for aerodynamic behaviour including pressure and velocity distribution with an optimal value of drag coefficient. The consumption of hydrogen and power generation curves are analysed for various cases. The developed vehicle is tested to validate the actual results with the calculated results. Further, the optimized design is validated for sustainable behaviour by correlating with the calculations of energy consumption, material selection, surface characterization, skin friction drag and vehicle size optimization. The study concludes to show the reduction in power and fuel consumption of vehicle as compared with the baseline design through the concept of sustainable design which can be tailored to give better vehicle economy and overall performance.