Proton exchange membrane fuel cell model for a small power plant with experimental validation

The paper presents the results of a modeling study for a PEM-fuel cell of a small power plant (5 kW). A zero-dimensional steady-state model is developed, featuring both simplicity and accuracy, to be easily embedded in the whole system model. Fuel cell performance are predicted using parametric theoretical equations, in which the parameter values are determined through an experimental analysis. Simulations results are analyzed by comparison with experimental data to obtain reliable predictions on performance at different load conditions and different pressure and temperature operating conditions.