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Optimal operating points of PEM fuel cell model with RSM

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Abstract

The output power efficiency of the fuel cell system mainly depends on the required current, stack temperature, air excess ratio, hydrogen excess ratio, and inlet air humidity. Therefore, the operating conditions should be optimized to get maximum output power efficiency. In this paper, a dynamic model for the fuel cell stack was developed, which is comprised of a mass flow model, a gas diffusion layer model, a membrane hydration, and a stack voltage model. Experiments have been performed to calibrate the dynamic Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) stack model. To achieve the maximum output power and the minimum use of hydrogen in a certain power condition, optimization was carried out using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on the proposed PEMFC stack model. Using the developed method, optimal operating conditions can be effectively selected in order to obtain minimum hydrogen consumption.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 300 Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 500-757, Korea

    Dongji Xuan, Zhenzhe Li, Jinwan Kim & Youngbae Kim

Authors
  1. Dongji Xuan
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  2. Zhenzhe Li
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  3. Jinwan Kim
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  4. Youngbae Kim
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Youngbae Kim.

Additional information

This paper was recommended for publication in revised form by Associate Editor Tong Seop Kim

Dong-Ji Xuan received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Harbin Engineering University, China in 2000. He then received his M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, South Korea in 2006. Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, South Korea. His research interests include control and optimization of PEM fuel cell system, dynamics and control, and mechatronics.

Zhen-Zhe Li received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yanbian University, China in 2002. He then received his M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from Konkuk University, South Korea in 2005 and his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, South Korea in 2009. Dr. Li is currently a Researcher of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Chonnam National University, South Korea. Dr. Li’s research interests include applied heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and optimal design of thermal and fluid systems.

Jin-Wan Kim received his B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from Chosun University, South Korea in 1990. He then received his M.S. degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from Korea Aerospace University, South Korea in 2003 and his Ph.D degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chonnam National University, South Korea in 2008. He is currently a Post Doctor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Chonnam National University, South Korea. His research interests include control of hydraulic systems, dynamics and control, and mechatronics.

Young-Bae Kim received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Design from Seoul National University, South Korea in 1980. He then received his M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea in 1982 and his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, USA in 1990. Dr. Kim is currently a Professor of the School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering in Chonnam National University, South Korea. Dr. Kim’s research interests include mechatronics, dynamics and control, and fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle (FCHEV) systems.

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Xuan, D., Li, Z., Kim, J. et al. Optimal operating points of PEM fuel cell model with RSM. J Mech Sci Technol 23, 717–728 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-009-0205-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-009-0205-y

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