A Virtual Prototype of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Using VHDL-AMS Language

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to introduce a novel modeling method for the Proton exchange membrane full cell (PEMFC) based on the novel concept of “virtual prototyping” and to present a simple and accurate model of the cell performance by using the mixed-technology modeling language VHDL-AMS . This model describes the steady state and the dynamic behavior of a PEM fuel cell using its characteristic equations. The phenomenon of a charge double layer and the electrochemical parameters such as resistivity of membrane, concentration of hydrogen (oxygen) in catalytic interface of anode (cathode), and current density are considered in this modeling method. These parameters are adjustable and present a good solution to predict output voltage, efficiency, and output power of the PEMFC.