A novel circuit model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to simulate passive proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) for portable electronic devices by means of a non‐linear lumped circuit based on electrical, mass transfer and electro‐kinetic equations.

Design/methodology/approach

Electrical, mass transfer and electro‐kinetic equations are combined in order to derive a non‐linear lumped circuit. The dynamic circuit model is tested in realistic operating conditions.

Findings

An original equivalent circuit model for simulating the transient behavior of passive PEMFCs is proposed. The PEMFC is represented as a non‐linear equivalent circuit with controlled lumped parameters depending on pressure, temperature, hydration, and system capacity.

Research limitations/implications

Lumped parameters are synthesized assuming a one‐dimensional fuel cell model since layer thicknesses are much smaller than other dimensions. Heat generation and transfer are not modeled even though lumped parameters depend on temperature.

Practical implications

The proposed circuit model can be implemented directly in circuit simulators for designing power management units needed to interface small‐passive PEMFCs and portable electronics such as PDAs, laptops, or mobile phones.

Originality/value

The fuel cell is represented as a non‐linear controlled generator whose parameters are derived directly from multiphysics equations rather than empirical relationships. The dynamic behaviour of PEMFCs can be simulated on completely different times scales, i.e. during transients or during the discharge phase.

Citation

Guarnieri, M. and Moro, F. (2010), "A novel circuit model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 29 No. 6, pp. 1562-1572. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321641011078634