Fiat Scudo Range Extender - cemtec.dk

Several solutions were suggested at this point.
1. Integrate a DC/DC converter with high frequency pack voltage measurement
This solution would allow the fuel cells to operate at a constant load at all times. Currently there is
no way of transmitting a high frequency pack voltage reading accurate enough to control the
DC/DC converter. Software to allow for this is currently in development at Lithium Balance.
2. DC/AC converter through the charger
This solution is less efficient as it adds another conversion between pack and the fuel cells. In this
case, the power would be transmitted first through the DC/AC converter and then through the
charger. If these losses are acceptable, this solution could potentially be the quickest to
implement.
3. Upgrade the battery pack
The ideal solution in order to test whether a system can be created that operates efficiently while
directly connected to the battery pack would involve upgrading the cells. By using a higher quality
cell, the voltage fluctuations would be minimized. This is the ultimate goal however may not be
cost effective for a commercial system.
While these are all potentially valid solutions, all will cost a considerable amount of money to test and
implement. This development was not budgeted for as it was expected the cells would be of a higher
quality. As a result, these options will have to be explored in a separate study starting January 2010.
5. Final Conclusions
While there are many areas to improve upon moving forward, the following milestones were
successfully achieved. Serenergy was:
- Successful in combining fuel cells with a new prototype reformer
- Successful in charging the Fiat Scudo battery while parked
- Successful in packaging system within the constraints of the Fiat Scudo
- Able to provide a proof of concept in a lightweight mobile package (Black Box)
CEMTEC – Majsmarken 1 – 9500 Hobro – Denmark Tlf +45 96 40 15 00 5
Project Conclusions