Dear Colleagues,

The Earth’s climate has changed throughout history. Seven cycles of glaciation have taken place in the last 650,000 years, but the current warming trend is of particular significance because it is extremely likely to be the result of using of fossil fuels since the mid-20th century.

In this context, near zero-emission systems based on fuel cell are a potential key factor for the green energy transition.

Therefore, accurate methodologies for fuel cell systems design are becoming increasingly important. Modeling is fundamental for fuel cell and hybrid power system design, where fuel cell is coupled with different power generation devices.

This Special Issue aims to gather research advances in the modeling of fuel-cell-based and hybrid power systems (PV/fuel cell, wind/fuel cell, battery/fuel, and so on). It focuses on the methodologies for mathematical modeling of fuel cell and hybrid systems, by illustrating different approaches to fuel cell technology (PEFC; SOFC, DMFC), system architecture, hybridization level, application (i.e., automotive, stationary, cogeneration, portable), and power management.

The issue will contribute to enrich the background in the field of fuel cell system engineering research, and I am honored to invite you to submit your original work to this Special Issue.

I look forward to receiving your contribution.

Dr. Orazio Barbera
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• fuel cell power system modeling
• hybrid power system modeling
• power system
• PEFC, SOFC, DMFC
• automotive
• portable
• cogeneration
• smart grid
• smart cities
• mathematical model

• Fuel Cell-Based and Hybrid Power Generation Systems Modeling in Energies (10 articles)

Title: Hierarchical Energy Optimization of Fuel Cell and Battery for Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Cong Ji; Elkhatib Kamal
Affiliation: 1. School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210096, China 2. Ecole Centrale Nantes—LS2N (Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes), 1 Rue de la Noë, CEDEX 3, 44000 Nantes, France
Abstract: Abstract: (optimal): This study introduces a hierarchical energy optimization strategy for a hybrid vehicle utilizing both fuel cell and battery systems, aimed at minimizing total energy consumption and enhancing the lifespan of the fuel cell and battery. An hierarchical supervisory energy management strategy is investigated, capable of detecting and compensating for faults in the fuel cell and battery, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and improving vehicle energy efficiency. The proposed strategy comprises three levels: i) At the highest level, a supervisory battery and fuel cell management system is implemented to ensure vehicle stability and maintain acceptable performance during fault conditions; ii) The second level employs an advanced energy management strategy based on FC Fuel Consumption Minimization Strategy to enhance bus energy efficiency and minimize total energy consumption; iii)The first level incorporates an improved optimized proportional-integral controller to achieve optimal tracking of vehicle subsystem set points. The performance of the proposed strategy is compared with other energy management strategies, including equivalent fuel consumption minimization strategy, finite state machine, and fuzzy logic rules control strategy. The validation of the proposed strategy is conducted using the dynamic BUSINOVA bus model within the professional TruckMaker/MATLAB software environment.

Title: Review of AEM electrolysis research from the perspective of developing a reliable model
Authors: Rafal Bernat; Jaroslaw Milewski; Olaf Dybimski; Aliaxandr Martsinchyk; Pavel Shuhayeu
Affiliation: Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering, Institute of Heat Engineering, 21/25 Nowowiejska Street, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
Abstract: This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the advancements, challenges, and future directions in the field of alkaline exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis, a key technology for sustainable hydrogen production. AEM electrolysis, merging the benefits of classical alkaline (ALK) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) systems, offers cost and efficiency advantages using non-precious metal catalysts and lower operating temperatures. The review encompasses breakthroughs in materials development, novel electrode architectures, performance enhancement strategies, and the global electrolyser market's growth, emphasizing its role in achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050. It highlights the versatility of electrolysers in hydrogen production, chemical processes, energy storage, and grid balancing, pivotal in the global energy transition. Delving into AEM water electrolysis (AEM WE) specifically, the review discusses its operation principles, material and thermal-flow parameters, and experimental research techniques. It underscores the nascent stage of this technology and the need for intensive research, presenting findings on membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) characterization, catalyst performance, and electrochemical ammonia synthesis. The review also covers literature on anion exchange electrolysis technology, focusing on membranes, catalysts, and operational challenges, and concludes with future research directions in material development, hydroxide ion conductivity, and commercialization strategies. Additionally, the review synthesizes key findings from various studies on cell components, electrolyte types, materials, and experimental setups in AEM electrolysis. It includes analyses of water feeding methods, electrolyte compositions, catalyst layer specifications, asymmetric configurations, and direct hydrogen production. The review highlights the role of nickel and nickel-iron catalysts in AEM anodes and the impact of anion exchange ionomer content on electrode performance. It also covers experimental methodologies, including electrochemical techniques and membrane electrode characterization, providing insights into operational parameters and performance metrics of AEM water electrolysis. In summary, this review presents a holistic view of the current state and potential of AEM water electrolysis, emphasizing the need for systematic advancements and commercialization efforts to harness the full potential of this promising technology in various economic sectors.