Influence of variations of operating parameters on the functioning of a PEM electrolyzer and PEM fuel cell systems

Abstract

The paper presents a mathematical model for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane “PEM” fuel cell and an Equivalent Electrical Model for a PEM Electrolyzer. The performance both of the fuel cell and the electrolyzer, depending on the developed model and taking all the losses as well as the double layer charging effect into account, is studied by varying the different operating parameters to evaluate their effect on the systems. In the fuel cell case, this will help in the development of regulation of the control or/and controlling systems to improve its performance. As for the electrolyzer, it will help in increasing the hydrogen production.