Dynamic modeling and validation studies of dead-end cascade H2/O2 PEM fuel cell stack with integrated humidifier and separator

In this work, a novel dynamic modeling and validation of a dead-end cascade H2/O2 polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack are presented. The PEM fuel cell stack is subdivided into two stages in order to minimize the quantity of exhaust gases during operation. The dead-end condition was applied for both cathode and anode of a PEM fuel cell. Periodical purging is utilized to remove accumulated water of both cathode and anode sides of PEM fuel cell stack. The mathematical model includes submodels for the PEM fuel cell stack, humidifier and water separator. The two main modules of the model are fluid dynamic model (hydrogen, oxygen, liquid water and vapor) and electrochemical static model. For the model calibration and validation, different stack currents, inlet reactant gases pressures and purge intervals are studied. The results reveal good match between model simulation and experimental data with sufficient certainty. The model can be further employed for control and diagnostic purposes.