A model predicting performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack thermal systems

A technique for modeling proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack thermal systems is presented to determine the fundamental thermal–physical behavior of the thermal systems, and to investigating the system parameters. The fuel cell stack is represented by a lumped thermal mass model. The model allows an assessment of the effect of operating parameters (stack power output, cooling water flow rate, air flow rate, and environmental temperature) and parameter interactions on the system thermal performance. The model represents a useful tool to determine the operating temperatures of the various components of the thermal system, and thus to fully assess the performance of the thermal system, especially when investigating applications that have highly dynamic operating conditions, such as automobiles. The model has been applied to determine the thermal performance of an experimental PEM fuel cell stack thermal system. The model is validated by comparing model results with experimental measurements.