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In order to obtain high power and efficiency while operating PEM fuel cells in airborne applications, pressurizing the inlet air is necessary. The control strategy for dynamic operation of an air supply module was developed in order to provide cathode inlet air at optimal conditions (mass flow, pressure, humidity and temperature) for different ambient conditions and varying power demand. A surge avoidance strategy without additional surge control valves was successfully implemented. The system was successfully tested statically and dynamically and afterwards connected to a fuel cell system. The air supply module was able to provide cathode pressure, mass flow and humidity dynamically as requested and the developed control strategy was able to avoid unstable operation. •Air supply system for pressurized hydrogen fuel cells in aviation was developed. •Control strategy for varying mass flow, pressure and power demand was developed. •Statically and dynamically stable operation over complete compressor map is achieved. •Measurement data from a combined system with a fuel cell stack is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional thermal environment management of the passenger compartment adopts the unified regulation method. Air distribution formed in this manner often causes thermal comfort and energy consumption problems. In view of the problems of conventional airflow organization, a new air supply strategy-variable air volume and temperature strategy is proposed. In this air supply strategy, variable air volume and variable temperature air supply is carried out according to the characteristics of thermal comfort requirements of passengers in different periods and positions in the cabin. STAR-CCM + software coupled with THESUES-FE software was implemented and compared with different air supply methods. The performance of the air supply strategy was evaluated based on PMV-PPD evaluation index. The results show that the variable air volume variable temperature air supply strategy has certain advantages and improves the thermal comfort level of the crew cabin. The cooling capacity of the automobile air conditioning is allocated effectively, thus improving the satisfaction of the occupants to the thermal environment. This strategy not only saves energy, but also improves the cooling effect in the cabin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]