Adaptive Cold Start of PEM Fuel Cell by Tracking the Maximum Power Point

Cold start is the essential issue to wide-spread of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell in vehicular application. To achieve rapid cold-start, an adaptive strategy is developed by tracking the unique maximum power point (MPP) of fuel cell plant. First, the control-orient model is established with three interacted parts: water balance, heat balance and performance estimation. To elaborate the interactions, the ice fraction and fuel cell are incorporated to predict the output performance. Based on the constructed model, the MPPs are sought to forming an adaptive strategy during start-up operation. With the heat generated as much as possible, the max power mode strategy presents a lower voltage and shorter start-up time, with 25.4 s time saving. Results suggest the superiority and effectiveness of the established model and the adopted strategy.