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AVL and Spark EV Technology develop intelligent energy management system for fuel cell trucks

January 09, 2024

AVL and Spark EV Technology, a British EV start-up, have partnered to develop an intelligent energy management system for commercial vehicles. The system uses simulations and machine learning to predict the energy requirements for a specific route, taking into account factors such as route profile, driving behavior, and air resistance. The goal is to plan and execute journeys in an energy-optimized and cost-effective manner.

The system leverages patented control algorithms and innovative software to predict energy requirements. Routes can be planned in advance via a digital map provider, making the journey energy and cost-efficient. The partners will simulate a journey with a virtual lorry, a digital twin, to determine the energy requirement per kilometer based on route characteristics, altitude profile, and driving behavior. Other parameters such as load or traffic volume are also considered. Spark EV Technology’s machine learning driven energy prediction software enhances the accuracy of these predictions, optimizing the operation of the fuel cell and reducing energy consumption.

The collaboration aims to enable fleets to operate efficiently and sustainably. The technology suggests when to draw energy from the battery to reduce the load on the fuel cell. If the power requirement is high or the battery charge level is too low, the fuel cell is activated. This intelligent operating strategy reduces hydrogen consumption, allows for battery size adaptation and minimization, extends the service life of cost-intensive components, and reduces maintenance costs. Fleet operators can use this technology in the preliminary planning of their drive systems, assessing the profitability of including fuel cell lorries in their fleet.

Justin Ott, CEO of Spark EV Technology, stated, “Hydrogen will play a critical role in the energy mix for commercial vehicles. Our plan is to provide a solution that optimizes FCEV performance and removes range and refueling anxiety by providing confidence in highly accurate, up-to-date range availability and optimizing hydrogen fuel consumption to enable more fleets to make the switch faster and provide manufacturers with a realistic FCEV option.”

Dominik Brunner, Lead Engineer of Integration & Validation AVL, added, “By choosing the right energy source at the right point of the journey, the solution reduces energy consumption and is therefore an important step towards sustainable and more cost-effective transport. We look forward to seeing what comes out of the partnership with Spark EV Technology and exploring how we can help more manufacturers make the transition to zero-emission vehicles.”