Steady state analysis and control of PEM fuel cell power plant

The paper presents the details of steady state analysis and control of proton exchange membrane fuel cell power plant. The system consists of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and ancillary devices like valves, coolant pumps, gas heaters and blowers which constitute the balance of plant. Balance of plant is responsible for keeping the electrode stack under proper conditions and enabling load delivery as per the demand. From control point of view, the key components involve water heater, humidifiers and gas pre heaters. A control strategy for these system using PID controllers is presented here, with the help of Simulink. The significance of heating section in the overall performance is also analysed.