Development of a control strategy for an air supply module for pressurizing fuel cells in airborne applications

Abstract

In order to obtain high power and efficiency while operating PEM fuel cells in airborne applications, pressurizing the inlet air is necessary. The control strategy for dynamic operation of an air supply module was developed in order to provide cathode inlet air at optimal conditions (mass flow, pressure, humidity and temperature) for different ambient conditions and varying power demand. A surge avoidance strategy without additional surge control valves was successfully implemented. The system was successfully tested statically and dynamically and afterwards connected to a fuel cell system. The air supply module was able to provide cathode pressure, mass flow and humidity dynamically as requested and the developed control strategy was able to avoid unstable operation.