A comprehensive review on modelling and maximum power point tracking of PEMFC

Abstract

Working of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) can be described using Dynamic Gas Transport Model or Polarization Curve Model. Majorly, researchers have employed the latter for investigations on control applications. To carry out scientific advancements, one requires a suitable model of PEMFC for theoretical studies. In this review, several observed issues in recently reported works on the modeling of PEMFC are presented. After examining the modeling issues, the correct model of PEMFC with its detailed theoretical basis is derived. Further, to extract maximum power from PEMFC, one needs to employ a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique. Over time, many MPPT techniques for various applications have been reported. It was felt that a comprehensive review is required to allow the researchers to compare and choose the appropriate MPPT technique for a particular application. Therefore, various applicable MPPT techniques are reviewed and valuable outcomes have been drawn based on the significant parameters used to estimate the performance of a method. Therefore, this review paper has two following contributions to make. First, to provide the correct model of PEMFC, and second, to offer a comprehensive review of MPPT techniques. Further, based on the presented extensive review, this paper also provides future research directions and background for applying suitable MPPT techniques to utilize PEMFC efficiently.