Modeling and simulation of PEM fuel cell – power converter system

Parasitic capacitances of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell are causing electrical effects resulting with change of dynamic behavior of fuel cell stack output voltage. This paper shows PEM fuel cell dynamic model with capability of easy integration of humidity, temperature and pressures dynamics, as well as their control. Fuel cell stack dynamic model was linked with boost converter averaged dynamic model, obtained using state space method, containing controller that keeps converter output voltage constant. A variety of step load changes was simulated on this structure, resulting effects were observed on stack current, stack voltage and converter output voltage responses. Obtained results are showing difference between corresponding responses of this model and the one which neglects effects of parasitic capacitances of PEM fuel cell.