Modeling and simulation of the PEMFC system equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger

This study examines the characteristics of the variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and assesses its impact on the PEMFC system. Experiments are conducted on a standard air supply system to determine the parameters of each component and a mathematical model of the air supply system is constructed. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the impacts of the VGT on the PEMFC system. The results show that a fixed nozzle opening operates efficiently only within a limited current range. Inadequate control of the nozzle opening can impede the compressor ' s operation at low current levels, leading to increased parasitic power. Nevertheless, when the opening is properly controlled, the VGT reduces parasitic power by an average of 15%. Under rated power conditions, the VGT system increases the output power from 152.2 kW to 156.8 kW and enhances system efficiency from 44% to 45.4%. In summary, the VGT effectively reduces parasitic power.