High temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells control for combined heat and power applications

Abstract

The aim of this project is designing and implementing control strategies for high temperature proton exchange membrane ( 1,2 ) fuel cells to be used in residential applications generating both heat and electrical power. For doing so, existing fuel cell mathematical models ( 3,4 ) need to be analysed and implemented to enable control design afterwards. Using these control strategies, certain specifications typical of combined heat and power ( 5 ) will have to be achieved, that is, control both heat and electrical power to be produced in order to feed thermal and electrical loads. Furthermore, depending on the demand the amount of heat and power released needs to adapt accordingly.