Title: Self-tuning fuzzy logic PID controller with a practical view to PEM fuel cell air supply system

Authors: Seyed Mehdi Rakhtala

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Golestan University, Gorgan, 289613, Iran

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are proper candidates as energy resources for using in vehicular, industry and other applications. This paper concentrates on the nonlinear model of PEMFC system. Since the variation of the load current deeply affects the lifetime of the cell, control of oxygen excess ratio (λO2) is proposed to prevent starvation phenomenon. It is very appropriate to use a self-tuning fuzzy logic PID (FPID) controller to access the aim of control. In this research, a FPID controller is suggested for a PEMFC air supply system. This closed-loop system regulates the airflow rate in the cathode input and the control aim is to keep the excess ratio of oxygen in its operating range by a compressor. This controller is robust with fast response time and is proved to guarantee performance around an equilibrium point and under parametric uncertainty and avoid oxygen starvation during load changes.

Keywords: PEMFC; polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell; self-tuning fuzzy PID; air supply system; oxygen excess ratio; nonlinear model; closed-loop control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIC.2021.120202

International Journal of Modelling, Identification and Control, 2021 Vol.37 No.2, pp.187 - 198

Received: 17 Apr 2020
Accepted: 18 Aug 2020

Published online: 11 Jan 2022 *

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