Influence of the gas supply component delay on the dynamic operation of the PEM fuel cell system

In mobile applications a dynamic operation of the PEM fuel cell system is needed. This requires a fast adaption of the hydrogen and air mass flow and the respective operating conditions. An insufficient operating strategy can lead to gas starvation, temperature peaks and flooding or drying of the fuel cell which can have negative effects on lifetime and power. One of the main issues is the delayed supply of hydrogen and air to the fuel cell. Within this study the inertia of the air compressor and the hydrogen recirculation unit is analyzed by system simulations revealing possible operating strategies to mitigate critical conditions during dynamic operation. As a basis a fuel cell battery hybrid truck is simulated with respect to a typical driving cycle. The findings of this study will be tested by real driving of the fuel cell truck to validate the developed operating strategy.