Modeling and Dynamic Characteristic Simulation of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

In order to investigate the output characteristic of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) based on the electrical empirical model, a novel dynamic model of the PEMFC has been developed with MATLAB/Simulink, which is distinct from the models that have been published previously. By using a fuel cell test system of the Fuel Cell Application Centre (FAC) at Temasek Polytechnic, the transient electrical responses of PEMFC were conducted and analyzed under various operating conditions. A good match is found between simulation results and experimental data. The comprehensive results of simulation manifested that the model is effective and operational. This model will be very useful to optimize the structure design, improve the operation performance, and develop the real-time control system of PEMFC.

I. Introduction

With the world facing the global warming problem, fuel cells are one of the promising energy technologies for sustainable future due to their high energy efficiency and environment friendliness. Compared with the other types of fuel cells, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) shows promising results with its advantages such as low temperature, high power density, fast response, and zero emission if it is run with pure hydrogen, and it is suitable for use in portable power supply, vehicles, and residential and distributed power plants.