Modeling and dynamic characteristic simulation of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

In order to investigate the output characteristic of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) based on the electrical empirical model, a novel dynamic model of the PEMFC has been developed with MATLAB/Simulink, which is distinct from the models that have been published previously. By using a fuel cell test system of the Fuel Cell Application Centre (FAC) at Temasek Polytechnic, the transient electrical responses of PEMFC were conducted and analyzed under various operating conditions. A good match is found between simulation results and experimental data. The comprehensive results of simulation manifested that the model is effective and operational. This model will be very useful to optimize the structure design, improve the operation performance, and develop the real-time control system of PEMFC. Index Terms--Dynamic model, dynamic simulation, proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), transient electrical response.