A Simple Model Predicting Transient Thermal Management of PEMFC and Cooling System

A simple model is developed to predict the dynamic temperature variations of PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cell) and its cooling system for automotive applications. A lumped heat capacity method (LHCM) is used to model, but the governing equations for the fuel cell stack, radiator, cooling water, and air are conjugated. The model predicts the transient temperatures of the fuel cell stack, radiator, cooling water, and air for stepwise power changes. Parametric studies show that the increase in the heat transfer coefficient of the cooling water at the radiator is more effective to cool the fuel cell than that at the fuel cell. The increase of the air flow rate at the radiator decreases the operating temperature of the system. This simple model could be a useful tool to decide the dimension of each component of the system for required power.