Flatness-based Control of a PEM Fuel Cell Air-Feed System

Abstract

This study develops a flatness-based control strategy for regulating the oxygen excess ratio (λO2) in fuel cell systems. Initially, a reduced four-state model and its linearized version are established, highlighting significant deviations between linear and nonlinear models under varying operational points. While flatness control based on the linear model shows perfect tracking of λO2, application to the nonlinear model reveals significant errors. Integration of a Proportional-Integral (PI) controller enhances precision by incorporating λO2 error, underscoring the role of robust control strategies in optimizing fuel cell performance.