Modeling of a PEM fuel cell flow and power system

Mathematic model is an efficient tool of understanding and analyzing fuel cell systems, and studies on modeling are important to the development and research of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) technology. In this paper, a dynamic model of describing the transient phenomena in a PEM fuel cell system is introduced. This model can predict the transient response of the cell voltage, reactant flow rate and pressure. SIMULINK is used for the simulation of the model and the transient responses of the system to step changes in the load current and the reactant flow rate are presented. The simulation results are analyzed and compared with the benchmark results and there is a good consistence between tests and simulations. It shows that the developed model is useful for the optimal design and real-time control of PEM fuel cell systems.