Heavy-duty trucks contribute disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions relative to their numbers, making their electrification crucial for achieving climate goals. Fuel cells are a promising solution for these vehicles due to their ability to provide the required range and support high gross vehicle mass. However, fuel cell trucks face significant challenges in thermal management, which is currently the most complex subsystem and a significant source of energy consumption. To address this, optimization techniques are needed, particularly shifting from reactive to predictive thermal management systems that anticipate future conditions and adapt accordingly. This presentation will explore the simulation techniques necessary for developing such predictive control strategies, the potential improvements they can offer, and the feasibility of implementing these strategies in vehicles.

You will gain insights into:

• The challenges of thermal management in fuel cell trucks
• Simulation techniques for the development of thermal management
• Predictive control strategies and their potential to reduce the energy consumption of thermal management