A 1 + 1-D Multiphase Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Model for Real-Time Simulation

A 1 + 1-dimensional (1 + 1-D) multiphase model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is developed to simulate the dynamic behaviors of the fuel cell under various operating conditions. Electrochemical, fluidic, and thermal physical phenomena are considered, and the model can accurately describe the multiphysical processes inside the PEMFC. Meanwhile, the water phase change and nitrogen crossover are also considered in this model. The developed model can simulate the fuel cell behaviors in both normal temperature and cold start conditions. Selection of the time step size is discussed, and the solution method of the real-time model is proposed. Computational efficiency is greatly improved by simplifying the multicomponent diffusion inside the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which results in the shorter calculation time than the simulated physical time. The proposed model is suitable for embedded applications, such as real-time simulation or online diagnostic control. The comprehensive model validation is carried out by comparing the simulation results, including polarization curves, ohmic resistance, local current density distribution, and voltage evolution, under various working conditions of steady state, load change, and cold start, and a good agreement is achieved. Finally, some simulation cases are studied to further demonstrate the simulation ability of the model.