Research on control strategy for cathode pressures in proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

In order to mitigate the adverse effects of cathode gas pressure fluctuations on the lifetime of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), a model of a cathode supply system with a bypass valve structure was developed, and a pressure cooperative control strategy was established based on this structure. Bench tests have verified that the proposed structure and control strategy has a good control effect on the sudden pressure change. Pressure fluctuations can be controlled to around 50Pa under the step conditions used in the test, and the absolute value of the pressure inside the pipeline can be controlled to the preset target, which helps to improve the life of the stack.