Enhanced energy management of fuel cell electric vehicles using integral sliding mode control and passivity-based control

This study introduces a novel control strategy and energy management system for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), aimed at enhancing reliability and reducing maintenance costs without the need for a Load Current Sensor (LCS). Integrating Integral Sliding Mode Control (ISMC) with Passivity-Based Control (PBC), the method focuses on regulating DC bus voltage, smoothing Fuel Cell (FC) current, and optimizing power distribution between the FC and SC, even without load current information. Notably, it eliminates the need for a load current sensor, dispenses with the requirement of an observer or a low-pass filter to estimate the load admittance, and guarantees overall system stability. Simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) tests validate its effectiveness, demonstrating its potential to enhance the competitiveness of FCEVs within the automotive sector. •Novel control and energy management system for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs).•Improves reliability and reduces maintenance costs without Load Current Sensors (LCS).•Integrates ISMC and PBC to regulate DC bus voltage and optimize power distribution.•No need for LSC, observers, or low-pass filters to estimate load current.•Validation through Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) tests, boosting FCEV competitiveness.