Multi-Model Feedforward Dynamic Matrix Control of Polymer Membrane Fuel Cell with Dead-Ended Anode and Cyclic Purge Process

This paper proposes a control strategy for a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) with a dead-ended anode (DEA) and cyclic purge process using Multi-model Feedforward Dynamic Matrix Control (MFDMC) with a switch law. MFDMC is a model-based predictive control method, which has superiority in addressing control problems with constraints and nonlinearity. The control objective is to maintain a low differential pressure across the membrane against the disturbance of the purge process and load change. A mathematical model is built and its dynamics is recognized at varied operating conditions to demonstrate the transient behavior of a PEMFC stack. Simulation results show the ability of the MFDMC to compensate the influence of periodic purging and load change without constraint violation of the actuator.