Matlab/Simulink based-study on PEM fuel cell and nonlinear control

This paper presents a dynamic multi-input multi-output (MIMO) model of PEM fuel cells and a nonlinear control approach appropriate for this model based on exact linearization. Since large deviations of pressures between anode and cathode gases can cause severe membrane damage in fuel cells, it is necessary to design a corresponding controller so that the deviation can be kept as small as possible during the load variations, in the meantime, the purpose to prolong the stack lifetime of the PEM fuel cells can also be achieved. The PEM fuel cell model, nonlinear control by exact linearization and generic model control (GMC) are described and combined as a system in Matlab/Simulink environment and the results show that the system is available to simulate the transient performance of fuel cells and it is effective on fuel cell membrane protection.