Optimization design of PID controllers for PEMFC with reformer using genetic algorithm

This paper deals with the optimal design of PID controllers for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The dynamic model of the PEMFC with reformer is firstly presented. The inlet hydrogen flow is supplied by reformer and the oxygen flow is supplied by air or pure oxygen according to the hydrogen-oxygen flow ratio. The partial pressures of hydrogen and oxygen are then transformed based on the mole conservation principle. Moreover, we design the PID controllers, which are installed for controlling PEMFC and reformer, using genetic algorithm (GA) to achieve better transient and steady-state performances of PEMFC.