Modelling of a PEM fuel cell system

This paper considers modeling and simulation study of a fuel cell system. A mathematical model of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell system is presented in this paper. For the convenience of presentation, cathode flow, anode flow, the membrane hydration, and voltage output expressions of the PEM fuel cell system are given in the paper to bridge a generic model to the model of Fuel Cell Test station (FCT). Within the University research facilities, there is a PEM – FCT station available so the PEM-FCT is used for the simulation study. Comparisons are made between the simulation results from the mathematical model which is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink and FCT test data. A general agreement exists but where there are differences and anomalies the paper gave reasons for this. Overall the PEM Fuel Cell (PEMFC) model represents the FCT station. The PEMFC model can be used for controller development to improve FCT system performance