Dynamic simulation for fuel cell based on distributed and lumped parameter models

Research on dynamic behavior of the PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell is very important to understand the operating mechanism, optimization fuel cell structure and the systematic integration. The paper was based on the distributed-parameter model and lumped-parameter model. Distributed-parameter model include conservation equations, and lumped-parameter model is based on electro-chemical model. The simulation was implemented with the PEM module of Fluent software and MATLAB/Simulink. A 3D structure model for single cell with a single channel is established. The simulations are about dynamic responses of voltage when current density varies. Compared with the results, we can know applications of these two models. Distributed-parameter model is more helpful in optimization of the cell structure and improving the cell´s dynamic characteristics because it considers the property of the physical parameters. Lumped-parameter model is very useful in the modeling of single fuel cell, stack and the whole system and the optimization of control.