Integrated modeling and simulation of a PEM fuel cell system for active and reactive power compensation

A fuel cell powered system is regarded as a high current and low voltage source. Effects of electric loads on the power source are of importance to design an optimal integrated system. In particular, dynamics of the system should be considered to determine a system configuration and the size of the components. Currently, no integrated simulation has been approached to analyze the effects of the power on the system components. Therefore, the major effort in this paper has been placed on development of dynamic models of the PEM fuel cell powered system that includes a PEM fuel cell stack along with an air supply system, a DC/DC converter and associated controls. Electric loads for the system are assumed as active and reactive power. Finally, the effects of the loads on the fuel cell system are analyzed.