Dynamic Modeling of Fuel Cell Systems for Use in Automotive Applications

This paper describes a proton-exchange-membrane Fuel Cells (FC) system dynamic model oriented to automotive applications. The dynamic model allows analysis of FC system transient response and can be used for: a) performance assessment; b) humidification analysis; c) analysis of special modes of operation, e.g., extended idle or freeze start; d) model based FC control design and validation. The model implements a modular structure with first principle based components representation. Emphasis is placed on development of a 1-D membrane water transport model used to simulate gas to gas humidification and stack membrane water diffusion. The Simulink implementation of the model is discussed and results showing FC system transient behavior are presented.