Modeling and Simulation of a 45KW Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Engine

Abstract:

In this paper, a mathematic model for a 45kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) engine system has been proposed. The model includes a fuel cell stack, reacting gases supply subsystem as well as water/thermal management subsystem. As for calculating the stack voltage, an error correction term is introduced in order to improve model accuracy. Subsequently, the model has been validated experimentally. The coolant temperature at stack inlet, air excess ratio and air pressure at cathode inlet have been chosen as the manipulating variables, meanwhile the corresponding sensitive analysis and systematic response have been made under the giving current densities. The simulation results show that, in order to obtain the higher performances of the PEMFC engine system, the coolant temperature at stack inlet should be reduced appropriately, while the air pressure at cathode inlet should be regulated as high as possible, in order to maintain rational stack temperature, the water/thermal management subsystem should be controlled effectively.