Modeling and testing of a 1.2‐kW Nexa fuel cell using bond graph methodology

Abstract

Confronted by the energy and environmental challenges, fuel cells raise a lot of hope. Fuel cells are expected to be an important power source in the future, and the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the potential candidates, being highly suitable for certain applications. The electrochemical components, especially a fuel cell, are naturally multidisciplinary components rather well adapted to this approach: chemistry, electrochemistry, thermal and electrical engineering are involved. We propose a PEMFC model using the bond graph method. This model takes into account the different physicochemical phenomena in a fuel cell. The modeling of the activation layer (AL) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) of the cathode side is highlighted. This model is then validated by an experimental work where we have used a 1.2‐kW power PEMFC of the Nexa type from Ballard. The static characteristics of the fuel cell obtained by simulation are in good agreement with those of experiments and also from the literature. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.