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Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Combustion Characterization and Model Fuel Development for Micro-tubular Flame-assisted Fuel Cells
Published on: October 2, 2016
Design of model-based control strategies for a novel MISO PEM fuel cell control structure
Shubhanshu Sharma1, Siva Mullapudi1, Ramya Araga1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Telangana State, 506004, India.
Accurate voltage control in proton exchange membrane fuel cells is improved using a novel fractional order model and multiple-input single-output control. This method optimizes airflow and hydrogen consumption for better performance during current variations.
Area of Science:
- * Fuel Cell Technology
- * Control Systems Engineering
- * Renewable Energy Systems
Background:
- * Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) require precise voltage control for optimal performance, especially under dynamic current conditions.
- * Existing control strategies often prioritize airflow optimization for component performance rather than overall system efficiency and voltage regulation.
- * Challenges in voltage control arise from current variations and system complexities, necessitating advanced control approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To develop and evaluate a novel multiple-input single-output (MISO) control structure for enhanced PEMFC voltage regulation.
- * To optimize both airflow and hydrogen consumption for improved fuel cell system performance.
- * To investigate the efficacy of fractional order modeling in enhancing PEMFC control compared to traditional integer order models.
Main Methods:
- * A genetic algorithm optimization technique was employed to derive a fractional order model from an existing integer order PEMFC model.
- * A MISO control structure was designed to regulate air and hydrogen inlet rates for precise output cell voltage control.
- * Model-based controllers were designed for both integer and fractional order models, with performance evaluated using set point tracking, disturbance rejection, inverse response rejection, and time delay compensation.
Main Results:
- * The fractional order model demonstrated superior control performance compared to the integer order model across various performance metrics.
- * The model predictive controller, applied to the fractional order system, yielded the best results for stack voltage control.
- * The proposed MISO structure effectively managed airflow and hydrogen rates, leading to improved voltage stability and system efficiency.
Conclusions:
- * Fractional order modeling offers significant advantages for improving voltage control in PEMFC systems.
- * The developed MISO control structure, particularly with a model predictive controller, provides a robust solution for dynamic voltage regulation.
- * Optimizing both airflow and hydrogen consumption concurrently enhances overall PEMFC system performance and efficiency.
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