Development of a cloud-based toolchain for data science in fuel cell vehicles

Journal of Power Sources, vol. 648, pp. 237276

Abstract

The availability of large-scale data and advanced analysis tools offers great potential for next-generation fuel cell systems. However, integrating real-world measurement data into modeling frameworks remains challenging. To address this, a cloud-based toolchain was developed for continuous data acquisition, processing, storage, and simulation within a digital twin. It enables scalable testing and refinement of various modeling approaches. The toolchain comprises a cloud infrastructure, a Python-based fuel cell model, and automated data workflows. A data logger transmits filtered vehicle data to a cloud buffer, where it is decrypted, compressed, and stored. Selected data feeds a cloud simulation whose results are aligned with real data for model validation. By updating parameters continuously, the digital twin reflects system changes in real time, supporting diagnostics and long-term monitoring. As a proof of concept, the toolchain was applied to fuel cell degradation in vehicles. Its modular design enables predictive maintenance, optimization, and performance analysis. The cloud-based setup ensures scalability and continuous, data-driven model improvement.

Authors 5

1. Simon Mertes Aachen Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP) Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, Aachen, 52074, Germany

   Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, Aachen, 52074, Germany

2. Marvin Schmidt Aachen Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP) Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, Aachen, 52074, Germany

   Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, Aachen, 52074, Germany

3. Stefan Sterlepper Aachen Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP) Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, Aachen, 52074, Germany

   Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, Aachen, 52074, Germany

4. Marius Walters Aachen FEV Europe GmbH

   FEV (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   FEV Europe GmbH, Neuenhofstraße 181, Aachen, 52078, Germany

5. Stefan Pischinger Aachen Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP) Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, Aachen, 52074, Germany

   Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME), RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 4, Aachen, 52074, Germany