| Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC)-Based Electric Vehicle: Experimental Analysis of Fuel Flow Rates Effects of Hydrogen Refueling |
| Yusuf Dewantoro Herlambang1, Nanang Apriandi1, Totok Prasetyo1, Prayitno 2, Ahmad Hamim Su’udy1, Wahyu Sulistiyo2, Margana 1, Marliyati 3, Dianisa Khoirum Sandi1, Lastomo 4, Jin Cherng Shyu5, Taufik 6 |
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Semarang, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
2Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Semarang, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
3Department of Accounting, Politeknik Negeri Semarang, Semarang 50275, Indonesia
4Kresno Bersaudara Engineering Company, Tangerang City 15132, Indonesia
5Department of Mechanical Engineering, KUST, Kaohsiung 80778, Taiwan
6Electric Power Institute, Calpoly, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA |
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Received: September 13, 2024; Revised: March 11, 2025 Accepted: May 2, 2025. Published online: October 6, 2025. |
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| ABSTRACT |
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The transition to sustainable transportation has driven the demand for alternative energy solutions, with hydrogen-powered Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) emerging as a promising technology for electric vehicles (EVs). However, optimizing hydrogen flow rates remains a significant challenge in maximizing fuel cell efficiency and power output. This study experimentally examines the effects of hydrogen flow rates (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 L/min) on the performance of a PEMFC-based lightweight electric vehicle, focusing on power output, efficiency, and specific fuel consumption (SFC). The experiments were conducted using a 1 kW PEMFC stack, integrated as an auxiliary power unit (APU) in an EV equipped with a LiFePO4 battery (96V, 50Ah) and a 10 kW AC induction motor. The findings indicate that despite the PEMFC’s rated power of 1000W, the maximum recorded power output was only 151W at a hydrogen flow rate of 2.0 L/min, primarily due to restricted fuel supply, reactant starvation, and inherent system inefficiencies. Additionally, the high-voltage readings (98V) observed in the I–V curve were not indicative of PEMFC overloading but rather a result of DC–DC step-up conversion, ensuring compatibility with the battery charging system. Furthermore, higher hydrogen flow rates improved fuel utilization efficiency, leading to lower SFC values and enhanced overall energy conversion performance. These results emphasize the necessity of dynamic hydrogen flow regulation, improved thermal management, and adaptive energy control strategies to enhance PEMFC efficiency in EV applications. Future research should explore higher hydrogen flow rates (5–15 L/min), real-time fuel metering, and hybrid PEMFC–battery integration to optimize fuel cell performance further and advance the development of efficient hydrogen-powered mobility solutions. |
| Key Words:
Electric vehicle · Energy management · Fuel efficiency · Hydrogen fuel cell · PEMFC |
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Corresponding Author.
Yusuf Dewantoro Herlambang , Email. 
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