Control of the mass and energy dynamics of polybenzimidazole-membrane fuel cells

The dynamic modes related to mass and energy of a high-temperature proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell are investigated. For a particular configuration, three lumped-parameters dynamic equations are considered to represent hydrogen pressure in the anode, oxygen fraction in the cathode, and stack temperature. For each of these, a simple controller algorithm is developed. These algorithms are tested against a standard driving cycle for vehicles, and are found to be able to maintain the necessary conditions for the fuel cell stack to operate. It is possible to control temperature by using only air cooling, without significant additional requirements on air flow manipulation.