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One of the most widely used computer simulation tools for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is the ADvanced VehIcle SimulatOR (ADVISOR) developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The capability to quickly perform parametric and sensitivity studies for specific vehicles is a unique and invaluable feature of ADVISOR. However, no simulation tool is complete without being validated against measured vehicle data to insure the reliability of its predictions. This paper details the validation of ADVISOR using data from the Virginia Tech FutureCar Challenge Lumina, a series HEV. The modeling process is discussed in detail for each of the major components of the hybrid system: transmission; electric motor and inverter; auxiliary power unit (fuel and emissions); batteries; and miscellaneous vehicle parameters. The integration of these components into the overall ADVISOR model is also described. The results of the ADVISOR simulations are then explained.

Fuel cells are being considered for transportation primarily because they have the ability to increase vehicle energy efficiency and significantly reduce or eliminate tailpipe emissions. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell is an electrochemical device for which the operational characteristics depend heavily upon temperature. Thus, it is important to know how the thermal design of the system affects the performance and efficiency of a fuel cell vehicle. More specifically, this work addresses issues of the initial thermal transient known to the automotive community as “cold start” effects for a direct hydrogen fuel cell system. Cold start effects play a significant role in power limitations in a fuel cell vehicle, and may require hybridization (batteries) to supplement available power. The results include a comparison of cold-start and hot-start fuel cell power, efficiency and fuel economy for a hybrid fuel cell vehicle.