Model-based estimation of PEM fuel-cell systems

This paper proposes a model-based observer, which allows for the monitoring of the partial pressures of hydrogen, oxygen assuming that the water vapor during transient fuel cell operation is known. This information can be used to regulate the supply of these gases to the cell whereby maintaining efficient performance. It is not practical to measure the partial pressures of each gas in the catalyst layer; however, it is possible to estimate the vapor pressure in the anode and cathode compartments from the temperature measurements. From this information, the partial pressure of the hydrogen and oxygen can be reconstructed using the fuel-cell model.