Control strategy for PEM fuel cell power plant

The paper presents the details of control strategy for power plant based on a 1kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack. The system consists of a Proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack, and ancillary devices like valves, coolant pumps, gas heaters and blowers which constitutes the balance of plant. The powering scheme considered for the balance of plant involves linear voltage regulators and dc-dc converters. Balance of plant (BOP) is responsible for keeping the electrode stack under proper conditions and enabling load delivery as per the demand. Regulation of gas flow in accordance with current drawn, control of gas humidification levels etc. form some of the key aspects in this regard. V-I characteristics of the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) stack, generated by operating the stack with a BOP based on the control strategy shows adequate performance.