Extremum seeking control for net power output maximization of a PEM fuel cell using second order sliding mode

In this paper, we have applied sliding mode extremum seeking control for optimizing the net power output of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). The output of a PEMFC is regulated by controlling the air, which is supplied through a compressor. The control objective is to ensure that the the oxygen excess ratio is maintained between 2 and 2.4, while the power consumed by the compressor is kept at minimum. The proposed control strategy is based on an improved extremum seeking control technique, based upon second order sliding mode control. This allows the controller to respond to sudden changes in load. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the applied control technique.