Evaluating PEM Fuel Cell System Models

Many proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell models have been reported in publications, and some are available commercially. This paper helps users match their modeling needs with specific fuel cell models. The paper has three parts. First, it describes the model selection criteria for choosing a fuel cell model. Second, it applies these criteria to select state-of-the-art fuel cell models available in literature and commercially. The advantages and disadvantages of commercial models are discussed. Third, the paper illustrates the process of choosing a fuel cell model with an example: the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) evaluation of two detailed stand-alone fuel cell system models. One is from Virginia Tech University, and the other is from Sweden's Royal Institute of Technology. Both models have been integrated into NREL's vehicle simulation model ADVISOR™ 2003 (Advanced Vehicle Simulator).