Work Efficiency and Economic Efficiency of Actual Driving Test of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Forklift

Zi’ang Xiong; Haikun Zhou; Xuewen Wu; Siew Hwa Chan; Zhiyong Xie; Dai Dang

Abstract

A 3.5 tonne forklift containing proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and lithium-ion batteries was manufactured and tested in a real factory. The work efficiency and economic applicability of the PEMFC forklift were compared with that of a lithium-ion battery-powered forklift. The results showed that the back-pressure of air was closely related to the power density of the stack, whose stability could be improved by a reasonable control strategy and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with high consistency. The PEMFC powered forklift displayed 40.6% higher work efficiency than the lithium-ion battery-powered forklift. Its lower use-cost compared to internal engine-powered forklifts, is beneficial to the commercialization of this product.

Funding source: The authors acknowledge financial support from Scientific and Technological Progress and Innovation Program of Department of Transportation of Hunan Province (No.202132) and the Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province (No.2021RC1001).

Keywords: Control Strategy ; Economic Efficiency ; Hydrogen for Transport ; Membrane Electrode Assemblies ; PEMFC Forklift ; PEMFC Power System ; Power Density ; Voltage Fluctuation ; Work Efficiency

Related subjects: Applications & Pathways

Countries: Australia ; China, People’s Republic ; Singapore