Back pressure match and optimization for high pressure PEMFC engine

This paper analyses the back pressure match and optimization using a regulated back-pressure valve (BPV) for the cathode outlet flow in a high pressure PEMFC engine. At a given power, the cathode input and output flow rate determine the cathode pressure, and consequently determine the compressor power consumption. In order to maintain a high efficiency during operation, the BPV has to be adjusted to the operating conditions. In this paper, a detailed nonlinear dynamic model of BPV is provided firstly. Then, the optimized back pressure and the angular of the valve have been got at a given power. Finally, the diameter of the valve is regulated to find a value which adjusts to a wide range of the opening, about 0 to 50%. The simulations show that using the regulated BPV can improve the system performance.