Hybrid Methodology for Parametrisation of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Model for Diagnostics and Control Applications

Abstract

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a very powerful tool for the diagnosis and characterization of fuell cells (FC). However, there is still a lack of physico-chemically consistent models that include parameters with a clear physical meaning and can be related to intrinsic parameters of FC. To fill this knowledge gap, this paper presents a novel, mechanistically based and computationally efficient FC modelling framework for time and frequency domain simulations. Furthermore, the model consistently handles forward and backward reactions, ensuring its validity at all current densities. These features enable the development of a hybrid methodology for parameterising the FC model in both domains, resulting in unprecedented accuracy in determining the internal states around which the EIS perturbation is applied. Furthermore, innovative modelling framework incorporates a 1D analytical solution of FC impedance that for the first time accounts for both electrodes, the membrane and individual effects of the electrodes coupled to the respective GDL and channel, all significantly impacting the accuracy of the model. This was confirmed by state-of-the-art reproduction of experimental data with R2 values exceeding 0.965 for data not used in the parameterisation. The presented modelling framework thus provides a modelling basis for observer functionalities beyond the state-of-the-art.