Effects of low temperature on energy distribution and powertrain transients in hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks: an experimental study

Guanjie Zhang, Jianqin Fu, Jinbo Kuang, Yaorui Shen and Xilei Sun

Energy, 2025, vol. 335, issue C

Abstract: Hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks (HFCHDTs) represent a promising route to decarbonize freight transport, yet their performance in cold climates remains poorly quantified. In this study, controlled energy flow experiments were conducted on an HFCHDT at 25 °C and −15 °C over several representative driving cycles, with systematic assessment of energy distribution, transient responses and component behavior. The results indicate that low temperature substantially reconfigured the vehicle's energy architecture: the fuel cell system (FCS) contributed less to battery charging and its share of total propulsion energy fell by 12.54 % during the acceleration cycle, while the battery share increased accordingly. FCS start-up was delayed by about 20 s, during which the battery supplied compensatory power that raised its cumulative output by 8.04 kW⸱h in the high-speed cycle, and throttle energy recovery efficiency declined from 2.90 % to 2.39 %. Cold exposure also increased battery internal resistance by 70.10 % during the low-speed charging phase and curtailed both the operating envelope and efficiency of the traction motor, thereby limiting available tractive power. These observations elucidate how low temperature redistributes energy and modulates transient powertrain dynamics in HFCHDTs, offering experimental insights for the refinement of energy management strategies.

Keywords: Hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty truck; Energy distribution; Transient response; Various operating conditions; Low temperature (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:335:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225038551

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138213

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