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The fuel-cell control unit (FCCU) is the central control unit for operation of the fuel-cell system – or “electrical power plant” – of an electric vehicle equipped with a fuel cell.
Taking the electrical and thermal power requirements from the vehicle control unit and the system’s current sensor values, the FCCU controls and monitors the connected system components, such as the hydrogen gas injector, electric air compressor, recirculation pump, sensors, etc., in order for the fuel cell to provide the requested amount of electrical power.
Here, the FCCU’s open- and closed-loop control software incorporates functions based on physical models. Fast control loops enable the kind of highly dynamic fuel-cell stack operation required for modern electric vehicles.
With a software architecture that is modular, ASPICE-compliant and prepared for the AUTOSAR standard, it is possible to easily integrate the FCCU into future E/E architectures and flexibly adapt it to any additional requirements.
The central software functions are self-learning, which facilitates simple, economical calibration and a quick time-to-market, particularly if the system must be adapted further.
To safeguard the operation of the fuel-cell system, the FCCU features a monitoring concept comprising both hardware and software. Furthermore, a hardware security module is integrated into the FCCU for improved cybersecurity and tuning protection.
A configurable and scalable hardware concept used in the production of engine control units is employed to enable optimum adaptation of the FCCU’s processing power – and the number and type of its inputs and outputs – to the respective application for passenger cars or commercial vehicles.
