State-Space Modeling of Fuel Cell Based Power Generation Systems for Stationary Load Applications

Abstract

The application of PEM fuel as power sources requires a state space modeling of the fuel cell system. The principles of working of a fuel cell system were studied at first. The different types of fuel cells and their applications are also looked into. The characteristics of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are studied along with the causes of voltage drop. This project investigates the fuel cell voltage characteristics and then attempts to develop a state space model for a stationary power generation purposes. Effort is made to implement the first three simple state variable equations using MATLAB Simulink under stepwise varying load current conditions. For modeling a particular fuel cell application the determination of values for the different state variables will lead to design of a suitable controller.