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This paper proposes a novel multiple-input bidirectional dc–dc power converter to interface more than two dc sources of different voltage levels. This finds applications in hybrid electric/fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), where different dc sources of unequal voltage levels need to be connected with bidirectional power flow capability. The converter can be used to operate in both the buck and boost modes with bidirectional power control. It is also possible to independently control power flow between any two sources when more than two sources are actively transferring power in either directions. The operation, analysis, and design of the converter are presented with different modes of power transfer. The proposed converter is demonstrated for FCV application using real-time hardware-in-the-loop system. Experimental results for a 5-kW system are presented, validating the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we analyze the limitations that impose the presence of uncertainty in the design of optimal energy management strategies (EMSs) for fuel cell (FC) hybrid electric vehicles. Using an electric powertrain constituted by a hydrogen FC and a battery bank, the fuel consumption minimization problem is analyzed in the presence of parametric uncertainty. The conditions that ensure that the nominal optimization problem matches the solution of the real (unknown) optimization problem are clearly stated. By observing that the uncertainty will limit the feasible solutions of the minimization consumption problem, supervisory control constituted by heuristic rules is proposed to face such limitations, resulting in a mixed optimal–heuristic EMS. The effect of the powertrain design, driving cycle, and initial conditions in the proposed strategy is discussed. Numerical simulations provide evidence of the advantages and features of the supervisory control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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