Evaluation of operating parameters to improve the efficiency of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Abstract

This paper presents the modeling and simulation of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) for the improvement of its efficiency. Short life span and low efficiency is a general issue of fuel cell systems. Therefore, designing and simulating a system capable of measuring crucial parameters of a PEMFC is essential for achieving an improved system performance. A polarization curve is utilized to evaluate the performance of a fuel cell, so this paper is focused on a variety of critical parameters and their output is traced specifically on a polarization curve. The system design was simulated in Matlab-Simulink and the data agreed well with the published data. The output of this study has the potential to contribute in renewable energy sectors, and industry.