Modelling of an Optimized Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Using Fractional-Order

Abstract

The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, also known as the proton-exchange fuel cell, functions similarly to a battery. Due to the electrochemical and thermodynamic nature of fuel cell operation, analysing specific parameters and characteristics of the system without altering or disrupting the physical environment can be challenging. The experimental data of the 1.2kW PEMFC system was obtained and used as a reference. In order to improve the PEMFC system, fractional-order modelling was implemented. Throughout the article, the results and analysis of fractional-order modelling of the 1.2kW PEMFC will be discussed and compared with that of integer modelling. Additionally, the paper will demonstrate how fractional-order modelling allows the system to achieve better results, reduce the percentage of errors, and maximise the efficiency of the PEM Fuel Cell.