The installation, modelling and utilisation of a 200 W PEM fuel cell source for converter based applications

Confronted by the energy and environmental challenges, fuel cells raise a lot of hope. Fuel cells are expected to be an important power source in the future, and the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the potential candidates, being highly suitable for certain applications. The electrochemical components, especially a fuel cell, are naturally multidisciplinary components rather well adapted to this approach: chemistry, electrochemistry, thermal and electrical engineering are involved. We propose a PEMFC model using the bond graph method. This model takes into account the different physicochemical phenomena in a fuel cell. The modeling of the activation layer (AL) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) of the cathode side is highlighted. This model is then validated by an experimental work where we have used a 1.2-kW power PEMFC of the Nexa type from Ballard. The static characteristics of the fuel cell obtained by simulation are in good agreement with those of experiments and also from the literature. The PEM fuel cell has given rise to many research and development activities around the world. The technology is changing rapidly and strongly. This energy converter, both clean and efficient, can convert the chemical energy of hydrogen-predicted as the energy source of the future by leading specialists in view of its specific energy that is three times greater than gasoline-into electrical energy directly usable and thermal energy that it is possible to enhance.The fuel cell involves the oxidation-reduction reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to form water, electricity, and heat [5]. A PEMFC is composed of a stack of electrochemical cells in

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“…The activation resistance R act , which includes the contribution of the two electrodes for the activation , is calculated as follows:

R_{act} = \frac{R \times T}{α^{*} \times F} \times \frac{1}{I_{normalB}}

where α ∗ is an overall coefficient for the activation (the ‘average’ transfer coefficient), and I B is the current at the considered bias point.…”

Section: Parameter Identificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling and testing of a 1.2‐kW Nexa fuel cell using bond graph methodology

Mzoughi

Allagui

Bouaicha

et al. 2015

IEEJ Transactions Elec Engng

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“…In a basic PEM cell, the protons are transported to the cathode side through the polymer and the electrons are conducted through the electrode outside to the load [1]. A fuel cell stack is composed of several fuel cells connected in series separated by bipolar plates [2] and provides fairly large power at higher voltage and current levels.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A novel circuit model for pem fuel cells

Yuvarajan

Nineteenth Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, 2004. APEC '04.

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The Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is being investigated as an alternate power source for various applications like transportation and emergency power supplies. The paper presents a novel circuit model for a PEM fuel cell that can be used to design and analyze fuel-cell power system. The PSPICE-based model uses BJTs and LC elements available in the PSPICE library with some modification. The model includes the phenomena like activation polarization, ohmic polarization, and mass transport effect present in a PEM fuel cell. The static and dynamic characteristics obtained through simulation are compared with experimental results obtained on a commercial fuel-cell module. The performance of the fuel cell module when feeding a boost converter is studied and the waveforms are presented.

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Modeling and performance studies of a fuel-cell powered boost converter

Yuvarajan

2004 10th International Workshop on Computational Electronics (IEEE Cat. No.04EX915)

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The Proton Exchange Membrane (PEW fuel cell is becoming popular as an alternate power source for various applications. The paper presents a novel circuit model for a PEM fuel cell that can be used to design and analyze fuel-cell power system. The PSF'ICE-based model uses EJTs and LC elements available in the PSPICE library with some modification. Tbe static and dynamic characteristics obtained through simulation are compared with experimental results obtained on a commercial fuel-cell module. The possibility of operating the fuel cell at its maximum power point is investigated. The performauce of the fuel cell module when feeding a boost converter is studied through simulation and experiment and the waveforms are presented. The need for a buffer capacitor to make up for the voltage drop under transient switching operation is established.

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The installation, modelling and utilisation of a 200 W PEM fuel cell source for converter based applications

Cited by 7 publications

References 6 publications

Modeling and testing of a 1.2‐kW Nexa fuel cell using bond graph methodology

Modeling and testing of a 1.2‐kW Nexa fuel cell using bond graph methodology

A novel circuit model for pem fuel cells

Modeling and performance studies of a fuel-cell powered boost converter

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