Optimization of operating conditions to maximize PEMFC performance by orthogonal test method and RSM

Optimization of operating parameters on PEMFC to obtain maximum power has a significant role to reduce the costs of this emerging technology. In this study, the operation parameters of PEMFC are optimized by the orthogonal experiment method and Central composite second order Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Three significant parameters including cathode stoichiometry, anode stoichiometry and control voltage of hydrogen tail gas valve are studied to obtain an optimal cell power. Both two tests reveal that the effect of air stoichiometric ratio on PEMFC performance is the largest under the high current in the selected range, while the effect of control voltage of hydrogen tail gas valve is the least. With the comparison of orthogonal experiment method and RSM, the optimum results show that RSM can be more accurate to predict the maximum power and the optimal values of the operating parameters.