Impact of HVAC Load and Driving Conditions on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Efficiency Under Seasonal Temperature

Hydrogen fuel cell buses (HFCBs) offer a promising zero-emission solution for sustainable public transportation. However, the high energy consumption of auxiliary systems, particularly heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), significantly impacts overall vehicle efficiency by increasing hydrogen consumption. This study investigates the influence of the HVAC load on the energy efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell buses under different driving conditions and seasonal ambient temperatures. Using a MATAB/Simulink-based simulation framework, the interaction between the fuel cell system, battery dynamics, and HVAC operation is modeled to quantify energy consumption under urban, highway and mixed driving conditions. Simulation was conducted at 7 °C and 35 °C with varying HVAC load levels of 50% and 100% to represent harsh winter and summer conditions. Results demonstrated that HVAC operation can account for a substantial portion of total energy consumption, reducing the vehicle range and fuel cell efficiency.