DYNAMIC CIRCUITAL MODEL SUITABLE FOR PEM FUEL-CELLS, ELECTROLYZERS, AND REGENERATIVE FUEL-CELLS

This paper presents the development of a dynamic circuital model suitable for simulation and performance evaluation of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) devices. The model directly implements the Butler-Volmer equation for the calculation of the activation potential, and therefore provides consistent results over the whole membrane current density working range, included the open circuit condition. The model is able to take into account relevant effects at low current densities which are due to partial reaction between the cathode catalyst Pt surface and O2, and to fuel crossover through the membrane. The implemented equations keep valid when inverting the current sign, thus allowing the model to simulate a fuel-cell, electrolyzer or regenerative fuel-cell throughout its complete working behavior. The paper shows how the circuital model can be easily implemented in common software environments such as Simulink or EMTP, and validates the results through comparison with available experimental data.