ENEA Hybrid Drive Train Testing Facility: a versatile instrument for HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) assisted design

Among the research and development subjects of ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technology, Energy and Environment) an important theme is the study of innovative vehicles with high energy efficiency and low emissions. ENEA has set up an infrastructure in order to execute research and development activity for hybrid and electrical vehicles. The testing station offers a network of facilities covering almost all testing needs for single component, subsystems and complete vehicles. The paper deals with features and working methods throughout the testing campaign of a FC emulator to characterize fuel-cell propelled drive trains. After a general discussion about the concept of Hybridisation Degree, the study focuses on the theme of optimal sizing for primary energy converter (fuel cell generator system) and electric energy storage (battery), according to the vehicle mission requirements. The experience demonstrates that HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) testing is a powerful instrument to overcome problems posed by behaviour of components like batteries and cost and complexity of others like fuel cells.