Proposal for Automation and Control of a PEM Fuel Cell Stack

Operation of a PEM fuel cell stack demands for control of some selected variables in the sake of safety, efficiency and prevention of membrane and electrode damages. Among these variables are the hydrogen pressure, stack temperature, membrane humidity, water concentration and the impurities accumulated on the anode. Several tests were performed to monitor and control these quantities on a 3-kW prototype stack. A few distinct control techniques were implemented in this stack as described in this paper in addition to the main practical operational results at distinct power levels.