Control of an ultra high speed centrifugal compressor for the air management of fuel cell systems

This paper proposes a control technology of an ultra high speed centrifugal compressor for the air management of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) for automotive applications. The mathematical model of the air management system (AMS) is validated experimentally. The implementation of a fast butterfly valve with a PI controller overcomes the difficulty of pressure ratio control so as to make the system work on the optimal operating points. The application of a reference limiter restricts the trajectory of the operating points in the right region of the surge line to ensure the safety of the compressor. Experimental results show the goodness of reference tracking property in terms of mass flow and pressure. Meanwhile the surge phenomenon is prevented by the reference limiter.