Mathematical modeling of proton exchange membrane fuel cell with integrated humidifier for mobile applications

Fuel cells are considered as one of the principal candidates to take part of the worldwide future clean and renewable energy solution. This paper presents a mathematical model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with its integrated humidifier, in which the dynamic behaviors are considered for mobile applications. The model will be integrated in a hybrid system and it was developed on the mass balance and electrochemical principles. The inlet air is humidified by a membrane-based passive humidifier which presents the advantage of not adding parasitic power loss in the system. The presented model is useful for co-simulation with electrical or hybrid vehicle model for power components conditioning purpose.