Proton exchange membrane fuel cell modelling based on a mixed moving least squares technique

An accurate model for static and dynamic operation of all components of a fuel cell (FC) system is required in order to optimize its performance. Actually, over the last decades many PEMFC models have been developed with a theoretical or empirical approach. This paper presents a numerical method for fuel cell modelling based on moving least squares method (MLS). This method appears to present a good compromise between response surface accuracy, smoothness, robustness and ease of use. The aim of this work is to develop an adapted PEMFC model, which includes the process variations. Experimental data and analytical equations are used for developing a “mixed” model of the fuel cell (mixture of experts), which mimics closely the real behaviour of the cell. By using the methodology presented in the paper, the PEMFC static characteristics can be approximated and predicted taking into account the reactant pressures, the cell temperature, the membrane humidity, the reactants stoichiometry. An analysis of the results based on the computation of the relative errors and on graphical representations is discussed. The results and the method can be used to analyse and to optimize the fuel cell system operation.