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Hierarchical Energy Management and Energy Saving Potential Analysis for Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Tractors

Author

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  • Shenghui Lei

    (College of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
    State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Agricultural Power Equipment, Luoyang 471039, China)

  • Yanying Li

    (College of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
    State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Agricultural Power Equipment, Luoyang 471039, China)

  • Mengnan Liu

    (College of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
    State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Agricultural Power Equipment, Luoyang 471039, China
    YTO Group Corporation R&D Center, Luoyang 471039, China)

  • Wenshuo Li

    (College of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China)

  • Tenglong Zhao

    (College of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China)

  • Shuailong Hou

    (College of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China)

  • Liyou Xu

    (College of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
    State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Agricultural Power Equipment, Luoyang 471039, China)

Abstract

To address the challenges faced by fuel cell hybrid electric tractors (FCHETs) equipped with a battery and supercapacitor, including the complex coordination of multiple energy sources, low power allocation efficiency, and unclear optimal energy consumption, this paper proposes two energy management strategies (EMSs): one based on hierarchical instantaneous optimization (HIO) and the other based on multi-dimensional dynamic programming with final state constraints (MDDP-FSC). The proposed HIO-based EMS utilizes a low-pass filter and fuzzy logic correction in its upper-level strategy to manage high-frequency dynamic power using the supercapacitor. The lower-level strategy optimizes fuel cell efficiency by allocating low-frequency stable power based on the principle of minimizing equivalent consumption. Validation using a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation platform and comparative analysis demonstrate that the HIO-based EMS effectively improves the transient operating conditions of the battery and fuel cell, extending their lifespan and enhancing system efficiency. Furthermore, the HIO-based EMS achieves a 95.20% level of hydrogen consumption compared to the MDDP-FSC-based EMS, validating its superiority. The MDDP-FSC-based EMS effectively avoids the extensive debugging efforts required to achieve a final state equilibrium, while providing valuable insights into the global optimal energy consumption potential of multi-energy source FCHETs.

Suggested Citation

  • Shenghui Lei & Yanying Li & Mengnan Liu & Wenshuo Li & Tenglong Zhao & Shuailong Hou & Liyou Xu, 2025. "Hierarchical Energy Management and Energy Saving Potential Analysis for Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Tractors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:2:p:247-:d:1562453
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hanwen Wu & Long Quan & Yunxiao Hao & Zhijie Pan & Songtao Xie, 2025. "Research on the Characteristics of a Range-Extended Hydraulic–Electric Hybrid Drive System for Tractor Traveling Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-19, April.

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