Dynamic Modeling of a Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Using a Gaussian Approach

Abstract

This paper proposes a Gaussian approach for the proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) model that estimates its voltage behavior from the operating current value. A multi-parametric Gaussian model and an unconstrained optimization formulation based on a conventional non-linear least squares optimizer is mainly considered. The model is tested using experimental data from the Ballard Nexa 1.2 kW fuel cell (FC). This methodology offers a promising approach for static and current-voltage, characteristic of the three regions of operation. A statistical study is developed to evaluate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed FC Gaussian model compared with the Diffusive Global model and the Evolution Strategy. In addition, an approximation to the exponential function for a Gaussian model simplification can be used in systems that require real-time emulators or complex long-time simulations.

Pore-Scale Modeling of Liquid Water Transport in Compressed Gas Diffusion Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Considering Fiber Anisotropy

“…Ideal proton exchange membranes need to have high proton conductivity; low electron conductivity; low gas permeability; and good chemical, electrochemical, and thermal stability [ 3 ]. Suitable water management is required to keep the proton exchange membrane humidified to enhance proton conduction and ensure proton exchange membrane performance [ 4 ].…”