Project ABSOLUTE: A ZEBRA Battery/Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Hybrid for Automotive Applications

Project ABSOLUTE (advanced battery solid oxide fuel cell linked unit to maximize efficiency), aims to combine a sodium-nickel chloride battery and an intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) to form an all-electric hybrid package that surpasses the efficiency and performance of a purely fuel cell driven vehicle, as well as extending the range of a purely battery driven electric vehicle. This paper discusses the project background, the ABSOLUTE hybrid concept, the methodology adopted, the vehicle types and drive cycles that best suit the hybrid and system control considerations. Results from a battery and IT-SOFC system model are presented.