Enhancing the Efficiency and Lifetime of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Using Nonlinear Model-Predictive Control With Nonlinear Observation

Abstract

The aim of this research is to develop and test in a simulation environment an advanced model-based control solution for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) system. A Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) strategy is proposed to maximise the active catalytic surface area at the Cathode Catalyst Layer (CCL) to increase the available reaction area of the stack and to avoid starvation at the catalyst sites. The PEMFC stack model includes a spatial discretisation that permits the control strategy to take into account the internal conditions of the system. These internal states are estimated and fed to the NMPC via a Nonlinear Distributed Parameters Observer (NDPO). The air-fed cathode of the PEMFC simulation model includes a two-phase water model for better representation of the stack voltage. The stack temperature is regulated through the use of an active cooling system. The control strategy is evaluated in an automotive application using a driving cycle based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) profile as the case study.

Nonlinear Model Predictive Control of an Autonomous Power System Based on Hydrocarbon Reforming and High Temperature Fuel Cell

“…This strategy showed improved results in comparison with a fixed stoichiometry control strategy for the fuel cell. An NMPC strategy that ensures maximum efficiency of an LT-PEMFC power system by maximizing the electrochemically active surface area is proposed in [6]. To guarantee lifetime enhancement of the LT-PEMFC, the designed controller imposes operational constraints to avoid hydrogen and oxygen starvation at the anode and cathode compartments, respectively.…”

Safe and Efficient Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Control Using Successive Linearization Based Model Predictive Control Validated on Real Vehicle Data

“…In the context of this study, the control of the fuel cell subject to a dynamic drive cycle is of much greater practical relevance. Various test scenarios have recently been reported which rely on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) as the validation drive cycle for the control of a fuel cell vehicle [13][14][15]. The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) also developed in 2015 has been used as the validation drive cycle for several studies concerning fuel cell control [16,17].…”

Chattering free sliding mode observer estimation of liquid water fraction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

“…New technological advancements to increase fuel cell durability have been achieved in the field of materials and catalysts [5]. Researchers are proposing advanced control techniques to improve the performance of fuel cells as well as improve their life expectancy [6]. For example, it has been demonstrated that the internal conditions of the fuel cell (i.e.…”