Work

Integrated neural network and metaheuristic algorithms for balancing electrical performance and thermal safety in PEMFC design

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Efficient design of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) requires balancing high electrical output with thermal stability, yet the complex interactions among operating parameters make this a challenging task. Addressing this gap, this study develops an integrated predictive–optimization–decision framework that systematically models PEMFC performance, explores trade-offs, and guides application-specific design choices. The primary innovation lies in combining multi-layer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN) with metaheuristic optimization, particle swarm optimization (PSO), modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO), multi-objective Harris hawks optimization (MOHHO), and multi-objective PSO (MOPSO), followed by decision-making using the additive ratio assessment (ARAS) method. Predictive modeling results demonstrate variable-specific advantages of optimization strategies: PSO-MLPNN yielded superior accuracy for electrical power output prediction (MAPE = 0.233%), while MPSO-MLPNN achieved marginally better accuracy for cell temperature prediction (MAPE = 0.301%). Multi-objective optimization revealed the inherent trade-off between power and temperature, with MOHHO providing broader Pareto fronts and greater diversity than MOPSO. Optimal operating conditions (ST An ≈ 2.0–2.15, ST Ca ≈ 2.1–2.3, RH Ca ≈ 60–66%, T in ≈ 26 °C) enabled peak power outputs near 5300 mW while maintaining stable cell temperatures around 39.5 °C. Finally, ARAS-based decision analysis identified seven design scenarios. The scenario with balanced weights yielded a cell power output of 5205.9 mW, representing an increase of approximately 6.94% compared to the mean cell power of 4867.9 mW in the dataset. The corresponding cell temperature was 39.53 °C, which is about 20.3% lower than the mean cell temperature of 49.61 °C. These results demonstrate the proposed framework’s ability to provide flexible and application-specific design strategies, simultaneously enhancing electrical performance and maintaining thermal stability and safety.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-27043-4