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High-powered and modularity is the trend for fuel cell systems. Similar to the evolution from single-cylinder to multi-cylinder in conventional internal combustion engines, fuel cell systems shall also follow this developing process. Compared to single-stack fuel cell systems, multi-stack fuel cell systems (MFCS) can enhance the system maximum output power and improve the system performance. To achieve modular design and improve the performance of high-powered MFCS, a MFCS stacks allocation optimization algorithm based on genetic algorithms is proposed in this paper. First, remaining useful life (RUL) and efficiency are choosing as an integrated optimization index, the decision model for MFCS stacks allocation is developed. Then, a heavy-duty commercial vehicle was used as an example to match the vehicle power train parameters. The genetic algorithm is used to solve the global optimal stacks allocation scheme for the vehicle in a specific application scenario.

To study the cold start of muti-stack fuel cell system (MFCS), a novel thermal management subsystem structure and corresponding cold start strategies are proposed. Firstly, leveraging the distinctive configuration of the MFCS that can be sequentially initiated, we augmented the existing thermal management subsystem with the incorporation of two additional collection valves and two bypass diverter valves, which affords an increased degree of flexibility in the formulation of cold-start strategies. Secondly, we innovatively propose a hierarchical auxiliary heating cold start strategy and an average auxiliary heating cold start tailored for MFCS consisting of power levels of 20 kW, 70 kW, and 120 kW. Furthermore, we have developed a controller to address temperature control challenges during the start-up process.

The multi-stack fuel cell system (MFCS) has the advantages of higher efficiency, stronger robustness and longer life, and could be widely used in high-power application scenarios such as automobiles, airplanes, trains, and ships. The appropriate air mass flow and air pressure have a crucial impact on the output power performance indicators of the MFCS. Considering that the designed integrated air supply system for the MFCS has significant gas supply hysteresis and strong coupling between the inlet air mass flow and air pressure of each stack, this paper identifies multiple steady-state operating points of the fuel cell system to obtain corresponding linear predictive models and establishes corresponding predictive control algorithms. The Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithms are switched in real-time based on the current load throughout the entire C-WTVC (China World Transient Vehicle Cycle) working condition.