Modeling and simulation of the dynamic behavior of portable proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Planar air-breathing fuel cells in printed circuit board technology have been developed as a promising candidate for use in electronic devices. In order to analyze the operational behavior, a mathematical model of planar self-breathing fuel cells is developed and validated. Design guidelines are then derived from the modeling results. One of the major tasks during dynamic operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is efficient water management. A dynamic and two-phase model of the PEMFC, including a novel membrane model, is developed. Cyclic voltammograms are established as a method to investigate the two-phase transport. Understanding the dynamic behavior of fuel cell stacks is the basis for efficient control of fuel cell systems. A mathematical model of a PEMFC stack for the simulation of arbitrary load profiles is developed and validated. The model is applicable for system simulation and model-based control.