Dynamic modeling and simulation test of a 60 kW PEMFC generation system

In this paper, a 60 kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) generation system is modeled in order to design the system parameters and investigate the static and dynamic characteristics for control purposes. To achieve an overall system model, the system is divided into five modules: the PEMFC stack (anode and cathode flows, membrane hydration, and stack voltage and power), cathode air supply (air compressor, supply manifold, cooler, and humidifier), anode fuel supply (hydrogen valve and humidifier), cathode exhaust exit (exit manifold and water return), and power conditioning (DC/DC and DC/AC) modules. Using a combination of empirical and physical modeling techniques, the model is developed to set the operation conditions of current, temperature, and cathode and anode gas flows and pressures, which have major impacts on system performance. The current model is based on a 60 kW PEMFC power plant designed for residential applications and takes account of the electrochemical and thermal aspects of chemical reactions within the stack as well as flows of reactants across the system. The simulation tests show that the system model can represent the static and dynamic characteristics of a 60 kW PEMFC generation system, which is mathematically simple for system parameters and control designs.