Title: Numerical modelling and parametric study of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance for energy and environmental solutions

Authors: Ibrahim Nachit; Safia Jbilou; Abdelkader Boulezhar; D. Saifaoui

Addresses: Laboratory of Renewable Energy and Dynamic of Systems, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, P.O. Box 5366, Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco ' Laboratory of Renewable Energy and Dynamic of Systems, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, P.O. Box 5366, Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco ' Laboratory of Renewable Energy and Dynamic of Systems, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, P.O. Box 5366, Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco ' Laboratory of Renewable Energy and Dynamic of Systems, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, P.O. Box 5366, Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract: Hydrogen holds great potential to address both energy and environmental challenges. Fuel cells, which convert chemical energy into electrical energy with high efficiency, offer a low-emission alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are especially beneficial due to their low operating temperatures, quick responsiveness, and high efficiency. This research involves the numerical simulation of PEMFCs using MATLAB/Simulink. Through a detailed analysis using the Simulink model, we explore how fuel flow rate impacts key parameters such as pressure and temperature within a fuel cell stack, affecting the overall efficiency of PEMFCs. Our results indicate that activation losses, ohmic resistance, and mass transport limitations significantly affect power generation. Specifically, the study highlights a strong correlation between electrical output and current density when the PEMFC is supplied with pure hydrogen and oxygen. Furthermore, we examine the effects of hydrogen pressure and temperature on PEMFC performance, providing valuable insights.

Keywords: fuel cell; polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells; PEMFCs; fuel flow rate; current density; pressure; temperature; hydrogen technology; fuel cell performance; environmental solutions; modelling insights.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPEC.2026.155138

International Journal of Power and Energy Conversion, 2026 Vol.17 No.3, pp.270 - 285

Received: 06 Aug 2024
Accepted: 06 Feb 2025
Published online: 28 Jul 2026 *

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