Modeling of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Utilizing MATLAB/Simulink for modeling enables comprehensive simulation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). PEMFCs serve as efficient distributed generation units that convert chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions, providing reliable power sources for various applications. The modeling approach typically involves implementing voltage-current characteristic equations, mass balance calculations, and thermal management systems using Simulink blocks and MATLAB functions. Through systematic modeling and simulation, researchers can gain deeper insights into operational principles and performance characteristics, facilitating optimization of design parameters and control strategies to enhance energy conversion efficiency and system stability. The implementation commonly includes defining electrochemical parameters, configuring power electronics interfaces, and developing real-time monitoring algorithms using Stateflow for control logic. Therefore, employing MATLAB/Simulink for PEMFC modeling represents an effective methodology that significantly contributes to both research and practical applications of fuel cell technology, with typical simulations involving dynamic response analysis under varying load conditions and efficiency optimization through parameter sweeping techniques.