Using the multiple regression analysis with respect to ANOVA and 3D mapping to model the actual performance of PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell at various operating conditions

• Generating mathematical correlations using multiple regression analysis with respect to ANOVA for the performance of the PEM fuel cell.
• Using the 3D mapping to diagnose the optimum performance of the PEM fuel cell at the given operating conditions.
• Results revealed that increasing the flow rate had direct influence on the consumption of oxygen.
• Results assured that increasing the temperature in co-current and counter current flow patterns increases the performance of PEM fuel cell.

The performance of PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell was experimentally investigated at three temperatures (30, 50 and 70 °C), four flow rates (5, 10, 15 and 20 ml/min) and two flow patterns (co-current and counter current) in order to generate two correlations using multiple regression analysis with respect to ANOVA. Results revealed that increasing the temperature for co-current and counter current flow patterns will increase both hydrogen and oxygen diffusivities, water management and membrane conductivity. The derived mathematical correlations and three dimensional mapping (i.e. surface response) for the co-current and countercurrent flow patterns showed that there is a clear interaction among the various variables (temperatures and flow rates).