Modelling a PEM fuel cell stack with a nonlinear equivalent circuit

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 165; no. 1; pp. 224 - 231
• Main Authors: Reggiani, U., Sandrolini, L., Giuliattini Burbui, G.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 25.02.2007; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Current interrupt method; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Equivalent circuit; Exact sciences and technology; Fitting; Fuel cell; Fuel cells; Polymer electrolyte membrane; Voltage drop; Polymer electrolyte membrane; Voltage drop; Fitting; Fuel cell; Equivalent circuit; Current interrupt method; Experimental test; Polymer electrolytes; Secondary cell; Modeling; Steady state; Operating conditions; Mathematical model; Comparative study
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2006.11.062

A nonlinear circuit model of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack is presented. The model allows the simulation of both steady-state and dynamic behaviour of the stack on condition that the values of some of its parameters are changed in the two operating conditions. The circuit parameters can be obtained by means of simple experimental tests and calculations. A commercial PEM fuel cell stack is modelled as seen from the power conditioning system side, without requiring parameters necessary for complex mathematical models and not easily obtainable by the majority of users. A procedure of parameter determination is developed and a comparison between the simulated and experimental results for both steady-state and dynamic behaviour of the PEM stack is shown.