Filip Szwajca
Cooperation of a PEM fuel cell and a NiMH battery at various states of its charge in a FCHEV drive
The development of electromobility is focused on the design and implementation of increasingly more effective electric drives. In such a system, apart from energy recovery, it is not possible to recharge the batteries while driving. Electric vehicles equipped with fuel cells and a battery (FCHEV – fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle) in a parallel configuration boast increased energy transfer capabilities. The article presents an energy flow analysis in a parallel hybrid drive system with fuel cells and a battery. The research was carried out on a 30 W vehicle made in 1:10 scale with a NiMH battery and a fuel cell with a proton exchange membrane (PEM). Increasing driving dynamics causes a 29% increase in energy consumption, 43.6% reduction of energy transfer from a fuel cell and a 23% increase of in the energy share intended for battery charging. Continuous operation of the system in full power mode ensures a much greater efficiency of energy transmission to the drive train (95%) compared to the system operating in dynamic driving conditions – 64–75%.
The impact of alcohol admixture with gasoline on carbon build-up and fuel injectors performance
The operating conditions of injectors in spark ignition engines with direct fuel injection make them susceptible to coking, which leads to a reduced quality of fuel atomization. This can be observed by a drop in performance and an increase in exhaust emissions, especially particulate matter. One effective method of reducing injector coking is by using detergentdispersing gasoline additives. The article describes the effect of using an admixture with a varied alcohol content on the quantitative and qualitative fuel atomization indicators. The research consisted of a 48-hour engine test, done in accordance with the CEC F-113-KC procedure (CEC-F-113 test). After each test cycle, the injectors underwent optical tests with the use of an isochoric chamber. The spray penetration and surface area were analyzed at a set of different fuel injection parameter values. The research performed resulted in determining the influence of each tested admixture on the change of injection time and on the geometric indicators of the fuel spray. The obtained characteristics of the engine in operation and conducted stationary tests enabled the operational evaluation of the impact an alcohol admixture with gasoline fuels had on key engine parameters.