Oxygen Excess Ratio Regulation in PEMFC Air Supply Systems with Reduced Control Effort

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are pivotal for large-scale energy applications targeting a carbon-neutral future. Achieving reliable and efficient energy system integration necessitates advanced control strategies. This paper introduces a novel method for regulating the oxygen excess ratio (OER) in PEMFC air supply systems. The system model is revisited from a control perspective, followed by the design of a reference controller using input-output feedback linearization. An innovative control strategy that combines sliding mode control (SMC) and model reference adaptive control (MRAC) is then developed. The proposed strategy is validated through numerical simulations based on real experimental data. Notably, the integration of SMC-MRAC ensures consistent OER regulation with significantly lower control input variations, as evidenced by the reduced applied compressor voltage, thereby enhancing overall system efficiency.