Steady-state modelling of PEM fuel cell for evaluation of performance.

Abstract

Abstract The influence of operating variables like temperature, pressure, humidity etc. needs to be reduced to optimize the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). A model that can accurately simulate the real operating conditions of a fuel cell can be used to optimize its performance. This paper develops and simulates a mathematical model for PEMFC in steady-state operating conditions. A steady state model is built in MATLAB-Simulink environment. The effects of different operating variables on the performance of the PEMFC have been studied. The parameters include operating temperature and reactant flow pressure. The results in the form of polarization curve, efficiency, power and current density have been analysed to compare the fuel cell behaviours. The results show good conformity with other existing models.