A Precision Monitoring Method and Control Strategy for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell in the Power Generation System of the Antarctic Space Physics Observatory

Based on the requirement of the Antarctic Space Physics Observatory (ASPO) for a clean energy supply, this study proposes a clean energy generation system incorporating proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) within a “wind–solar–hydrogen-storage-load” framework, which complements inherent wind and solar power generation modes. Addressing the paucity of hydrogen low-temperature coupled-power-supply technology in renewable energy systems, and the insufficient accuracy of data monitoring and system control, electric power output and thermal balance models of PEMFCs are presented, and an analysis of PEMFCs’ operating mechanism was conducted. Simulations of a PEMFC’s internal mechanisms were carried out to address its need for reliable energy supply needs. Furthermore, a real-time monitoring and control strategy is proposed to obtain the operational status of a PEMFC power generation system. The monitored data exhibited high accuracy, with the error between the monitoring parameters and set values being less than 1%, including the voltage, current, electric power, temperature, and speed of the fans. These data are better than the monitoring error of the electrical parameters in Antarctica which is higher than 5%, fulfilling PEMFCs’ requirement for real-time monitoring of their operational parameters, which is necessary for their reliable operation. This precise control lays the foundation for the application of PEMFCs in energy systems at independent Antarctic observatory stations.