Real-time pressure-flow coordinated control based on adaptive switching algorithm of PEMFC durability test bench

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 141; pp. 598 - 614
• Main Authors: Chen, Fengxiang, Zhang, Junyu, Pei, Yaowang, Chi, Xuncheng, Zhang, Huitao, Wang, Yangyang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 25.06.2025
• Subjects: Accelerated durability testing; Adaptive switching algorithm; anode pressure-flow coordinated control; Fuel cell; Adaptive switching algorithm; anode pressure-flow coordinated control; Fuel cell; Accelerated durability testing
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.12.349

The fluctuation of the pressure difference between the anode and cathode is considered in the durability test, which enhances the consistency of the durability tests with real-world usage scenarios. However, due to the complicated operating conditions as well as the coupling of pressure and flow, the pressure and flow cannot follow the reference values, resulting in the inconsistency of durability tests with real-world usage scenarios, posing a challenge for pressure-flow coordinated control. To this end, the working mechanism of the durability test bench including the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) anode channel is analyzed, and a durability test bench model is established. Based on the established model, the pressure-flow coordinated control based on an adaptive switching algorithm of the PEMFC durability test bench is developed, thus achieving the tracking of pressure and flow. This algorithm is simple and easy to implement and has a high dynamic response as well as good robustness during long-term operation. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, simulation comparisons between the proposed adaptive algorithm and a non-adaptive algorithm were carried out under certain operating conditions. Further, experimental verifications were conducted with a PEMFC durability test bench to verify the practical performance of the proposed algorithm. The comprehensive results indicate that the proposed adaptive algorithm reduced the response time by 57% compared to the non-adaptive algorithm and has practical applicability. •Introduced differential pressure fluctuation between cathode and anode into PEMFC durability test.•Introduced anode outlet proportional valve to test bench to enhance pressure dynamic response.•Designed AS control strategy to achieve coordinated control of pressure and average flow rate.•Validated dynamic response and robustness through fuel cell stack durability experiment.