Fuel cell based drive trains in public transport

The requirements for drive trains in public transport show significant higher target values for power level, power dynamics and reliability than in the private transport. However, presently available automotive fuel cell technology is capable to fulfil these demands within particular drive train configurations. Simulation based studies demonstrate the impacts of hybridisation and clustering concepts. The combination with energy storage devices, e.g. flywheels, reduces the necessary power level of the fuel cell as well as its maximum required power gradient notably. Fule cell clusters increase system reliabilty as well as the overall power level.