Analysis of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) for Green Hydrogen Vehicles

Clean Energy Technologies

Research Article

Analysis of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) for Green Hydrogen Vehicles

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https://doi.org/10.54963/cet.v1i2.1617
Ahmed, K., Henry, T., & Adolfo, I. (2025). Analysis of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) for Green Hydrogen Vehicles. Clean Energy Technologies, 1(2), 23–40. https://doi.org/10.54963/cet.v1i2.1617
Volume 1 Issue 2 (2025)
Copyright (c) 2025 Khadhraoui Ahmed, Trujillo Henry, Iulianelli Adolfo
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Authors

  • Khadhraoui Ahmed

    Faculty of Science of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 2092, Tunisia
  • Trujillo Henry

    Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council (CNR‑ITM), University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
  • Iulianelli Adolfo

    Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council (CNR‑ITM), University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy

Received: 30 June 2025 | Revised: 11 August 2025 | Accepted: 14 August 2025 | Published Online: 29 August 2025

This work presents the development of a hydrogen‑based green energy system for powering fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), with a specific focus on sustainable urban transportation. Current battery‑electric vehicles still face persistent challenges, primarily related to high manufacturing cost, limited driving autonomy, and the need for extensive charging infrastructure. To overcome these limitations, a novel prototype was designed and implemented, integrating an autonomous hydrogen production unit directly within the vehicle. The system is supported by photovoltaic sources for renewable energy input and Lithium‑ion batteries for efficient storage and operational stability. The hydrogen produced on board is utilized by a reversible Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), which converts the chemical energy into electricity to drive the vehicle’s engine and supply auxiliary systems. This integrated approach ensures continuous energy availability while minimizing dependence on external charging stations. The proposed concept demonstrates several advantages, including extended driving range, reduced refueling time, increased system autonomy, and zero carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the design contributes to urban air quality improvement and aligns with Circular Economy (CE) protocols by promoting renewable integration and resource efficiency. Overall, the study highlights hydrogen‑based embedded systems as a promising pathway towards clean, sustainable, and resilient mobility solutions.

Keywords:

PEMFC Green Hydrogen Sustainable Transport Electrochemical Modeling Hybrid Vehicle Simulation FTP‑75

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