Title: A review on process models and controller design in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells

Authors: Tuğrul Özel

Addresses: Manufacturing and Automation Research Laboratory, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08854, USA

Abstract: A fuel cell is a device which changes the chemical energy into electrical energy by using the hydrogen and oxygen. There are numerous types of fuel cells including proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) which uses hydrogen as a fuel as treated at anode where electrons are disconnected from protons on the surface of a platinum-based catalyst. Process models for PEMFCs have received significant attention in past decades due to potentials for PEMFC to produce zero emissions creates a great prospect for clean energy in the transport industry. This paper provides an overarching view on the process models developed and control systems utilised for optimising the energy generation in PEMFC technology. Several recommended control systems have been also reviewed.

Keywords: controller design; fuel cells; process modelling; mechatronics; hydrogen; energy; sustainability; robust controller design; mathematical models; optimal control; sliding mode control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2022.122907

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2022 Vol.15 No.1, pp.1 - 19

Received: 04 Jun 2021
Accepted: 25 Jan 2022
Published online: 16 May 2022 *