Dynamic Modeling and Performance Analysis of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell–Battery Hybrid Excavator Powertrain System
Abstract
This study presents a system-level modeling and numerical analysis of a hydrogen fuel cell–battery hybrid powertrain for heavy-duty construction machinery. The hydrogen storage and supply process, as well as the operating principles of the fuel cell–battery system, are described, and a DC bus-based power-sharing architecture is developed. In the proposed configuration, the fuel cell is responsible for supplying the average power demand, while the battery supports transient and peak load requirements. Numerical simulations are performed based on time-dependent power demands representative of excavator operation. The results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid system can effectively meet dynamic power requirements while maintaining stable operation. The fuel cell provides a continuous and stable power output, whereas the battery compensates for rapid load variations. The battery state of charge (SOC) remains within a controlled range, indicating the effectiveness and sustainability of the implemented rule-based power-sharing strategy. The developed model aligns with recent studies on fuel cell hybrid excavators; however, unlike optimization-based approaches, this work focuses on a simplified and practical system-level model combined with a rule-based energy management strategy suitable for real-time applications. The findings indicate that the proposed hybrid system offers a promising alternative to conventional diesel-powered excavators in terms of operational stability, efficiency, and emission reduction. The developed modeling framework provides a foundation for future studies on advanced energy management strategies and realistic duty cycle analyses.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Energy Generation, Conversion and Storage (Excl. Chemical and Electrical)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Ekin Can Kayar
*
0009-0004-4191-587X
Türkiye
Publication Date
May 11, 2026
Submission Date
January 12, 2026
Acceptance Date
April 18, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: 1