Work

Real-time capable nonlinear distributed parameter observer considering two-phase flow in PEM fuel cells

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents a breakthrough in real-time capable nonlinear distributed parameter observation of spatially resolved intra-PEMFC states, which is achieved by developing an innovative PEMFC observer framework based on the Unscented Kalman Filter, novel method for determining physically motivated constraints for corrective actions, and real-time capable state-of-the-art spatially resolved physio-chemically consistent distributed parameter model considering two-phase flow. The proposed framework enables unprecedented real-time insight into the spatially distributed dynamics of water in liquid and gaseous states, as well as phase transformation, membrane water uptake, and into the impact of gas crossover effects on the mixed potential of PEMFCs just from lumped voltage, serving as an output, and current trace serving as an input. These advanced functionalities were formally confirmed by observability and comparative analysis using experimental results obtained from a segmented PEMFC and achieving very high R 2 values between 0.9976 to 0.9987, hence, confirming computationally-efficient beyond state-of-the-art control functionality.

Source: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.04.321

Authors: Andraž Kravos, Martin Vrlić, Christoph Hametner, Stefan Jakubek, Tomaž Katrašnik

Institutions: University of Ljubljana, TU Wien

Language: English

Topic: Fuel Cells and Related Materials

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,730