Analysis and simulation of the model for PEMFC cathode inlet relative humidity control

A model is set up for PEMFC´s humidity control and the influence of the cathode inlet air humidity on PEMFC maximum output power density and the limit current density is analyzed by simulation. The results show that the model can predict the PEMFC output performance under different air relative humidity at cathode inlet. By fitting key parameters such as the gas diffusion coefficient, the water content and the internal resistance of the membrane, the UI curve approximates experimental date, an optimal air relative humidity at cathode inlet can be found and the corresponding results can be applied to PEMFC power management.