Automotive Experiences
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): Issue in Progress

Simulation of a Multi-Source Hybrid Electric Vehicle Integrating Battery, Fuel Cell, Photovoltaic, and Compressed-Air Systems

Zeedan Taha (Çukurova University, Turkey)
Kadir Aydin (Ostim Technical University, Türkiye)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Jun 2026

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation-based system-level evaluation of a four-source hybrid electric vehicle integrating a LiFePO4 battery, a PEMFC, a VIPV, and a compressed-air energy storage subsystem. A detailed MATLAB/Simulink model is developed using a common DC-bus architecture and four independent in-wheel hub motors with a total rated power of 12 kW. A rule-based energy management system is used to control how power is shared among different sources, maintain the battery's charge, and regulate the DC-bus voltage. The vehicle's performance is evaluated using the WLTP Class 2 driving cycle, and seven hybrid configurations are systematically compared under the same operating conditions. Simulation results confirm accurate tracking of the reference velocity profile and stable DC-bus regulation at 225 ± 3 V across all configurations. The measured specific energy consumption is approximately 5.05 kWh/100 km, including regenerative braking. Energy flow analysis shows that the battery provides short bursts of power and recovers energy from braking. In contrast, the fuel cell offers a consistent power source, which is especially useful for long-distance travel. With a 50 L hydrogen tank at 350 bar, the fuel cell extends the estimated driving range from about 95 km in battery-only operation to approximately 513 km. The integration of VIPV and compressed-air subsystems provides additional auxiliary contributions, increasing the total achievable range to roughly 606 km under full battery utilization, while improving current smoothing and transient load support. Parametric assessment of hydrogen and compressed-air storage systems reveals that hydrogen storage capacity is the principal determinant of operational duration, while compressed air provides only a modest increase in range, though it is useful for short-term support. These findings validate the technical viability of four-source hybridization and elucidate the complementary functions of electrochemical, photovoltaic, and pneumatic energy sources within a practical multi-motor vehicle framework.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

AutomotiveExperiences

Publisher

Subject

Aerospace Engineering Automotive Engineering Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Control & Systems Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering Energy Materials Science & Nanotechnology Mechanical Engineering

Description

Automotive experiences invite researchers to contribute ideas on the main scope of Emerging automotive technology and environmental issues; Efficiency (fuel, thermal and mechanical); Vehicle safety and driving comfort; Automotive industry and supporting materials; Vehicle maintenance and technical ...