Simplified model for evaluating ripple effects on commercial PEM fuel cell

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 37; no. 18; pp. 13462 - 13469
• Main Authors: Ferrero, R., Marracci, M., Prioli, M., Tellini, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Current ripple; Dielectric relaxation; Dynamic model; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cell; Fuels; Hydrogen; Impedance spectroscopy; Power converters; Power converters; Current ripple; Impedance spectroscopy; Dynamic model; Fuel cell; Dielectric relaxation; Hydrogen; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2012.06.036

In this paper a simple model for evaluating current ripple effects on commercial PEM fuel cells is presented. The model is formulated starting from the Randles equivalent circuit and extending it assuming a dielectric relaxation of the material to represent dynamic processes in the frequency range typical of inverter current ripple. The proposed equivalent circuit is experimentally validated on a 14 kW commercial Morphic PEM fuel cell at the frequencies of interest. Finally the effects of current ripple on losses and fuel cell efficiency are discussed. ► Effects of current ripple on PEM fuel cells are investigated. ► The considered ripple is in the typical frequency range of power converters (inverters). ► Analytical model and impedance spectroscopy measurements are presented. ► A frequency-dependent-capacitance model is formulated. ► Higher frequencies produce lower additional losses due to ripple.