Dynamic Optimization of Fuel Cell Operating Conditions at Different Altitudes

This paper presents a model of the fuel cell (FC) cathode air supply system that considers altitude variation. Additionally, an algorithm that optimizes power by using perturbation and observation (P&O) is proposed to ensure that the FC outputs the maximum net power under high altitude conditions. To analyze the sensitivity of the algorithm parameters, power optimization results with varying iteration cycle times, voltage perturbation steps, and power change thresholds are compared to optimize the algorithm parameters. The proposed algorithm's power optimization performance and altitude adaptation capability are demonstrated through a comparative analysis with the offline optimization method at two different altitudes. The simulation results show that the proposed P&O algorithm has the same optimization capability as the offline optimization algorithm and can adapt to the altitude change.