Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel cell: Dynamic Modelling, Analysis, Voltage Control for an EV Application

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is a new type of energy source which can be used as a fuel for an EV, based on the electrochemical conversion of hydrogen assisted by oxygen to get an electric potential with residues water and steam, making it completely eco-friendly. It is essential to have a dynamic model of this PEMFC to utilize it in an automotive application. Since PEMFCs use electrochemistry to convert energy, a number of factors, including temperature, fuel flow rates, and partial pressures, can have an impact on how efficiently they operate. Utilizing fuel cells in an EV application would benefit greatly from this analysis. A PEMFC's transient response can also be studied by applying this model to loading variations such as load stepping up and down. PI control is used to control the voltage of this PEMFC primarily by controlling the fuel rate. According to the results, PEMFC displays fast response capabilities in response to load variations. Therefore, it is a more suitable choice for EV use. Specifically, the paper covers these three aspects of fuel cell modelling, analysis and control for electric vehicles.