RNN-INTEGRATED MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL FOR FUEL CELL AND SOLAR-POWERED HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES

This paper presents an innovative Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) configuration utilizing a fuel cell as the primary energy source and an onboard Photovoltaic (PV) array as a supplementary source. The system features an advanced Model Predictive Control (MPC) enhanced by a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) to manage the induction motor efficiently. Key components include a PV array, a fuel cell, and an electrolyzer. The PV array supplements the fuel cell during optimal sunlight conditions, while excess energy during idle periods is converted to hydrogen via the electrolyzer and stored in a hydrogen tank for future use. A quadratic bidirectional buck-boost converter (QBBC) regulates voltage, ensuring compatibility between energy sources and the motor. The system’s performance is evaluated under various sunlight and speed conditions, with the RNN-based MPC compared to an Artificial Neural Network-based MPC (ANN-MPC) and a traditional Proportional-Integral (PI) controller. An incremental conductance algorithm is implemented for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) to optimize PV power extraction. The RNN model predicts motor speed, enhancing control precision. Simulations in MATLAB/SIMULINK reveal that the RNN-based MPC outperforms ANN-MPC and PI controllers, demonstrating improved efficiency and speed control. This work contributes to advancing intelligent and energy-efficient HEV technologies.