Cathode inlet and exhaust management remains a significant challenge in proton exchange fuel cell (PEMFC). Achieving optimal oxygen content in real-time through precise control of the inlet gas is crucial for maintaining optimal output. Additionally, coordinating the air inlet and exhaust to ensure consistent cathode and anode pressures is essential for balancing the internal stack pressure and preventing nitrogen penetration, thereby enhancing PEMFC’s stability and lifespan. This paper addresses these challenges by introducing a mixed control strategy based on a fifth-order nonlinear mathematical model of the PEMFC stack cathode. Two non-singular fast terminal sliding mode structure controllers are combined as control system to optimize oxygen content and pressure control under dynamic loading conditions. The non-singular terminal sliding mode structure ensures finite-time convergence while mitigating potential singularity issues associated with traditional terminal sliding modes. The results showcase the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed control method in managing load variations, external disturbances, and PEMFC uncertainties.
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