Treffer: Semi-empirical simulation model of 1 kW PEMFC system in steady state.

The Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) has been widely developed in various applications, underscoring the importance of developing robust models of PEMFC systems. Most existing models either rely on empirical correlations that lack physical interpretability or focus on individual components without full system integration. This study presents the development of a semi-empirical simulation model of a 1 kW PEMFC system in steady state. The stack voltage is modeled using electrochemical equations, with voltage losses estimated through flux balance analysis. Seven core parameters with physical meaning are fitted to experimental data using non-linear regression, ensuring both interpretability and accuracy. The MATLAB-implemented voltage model is integrated with Aspen HYSYS to simulate the complete PEMFC system, including Balance of Plant (BOP) components. The model shows strong agreement with experimental results, achieving an average voltage difference of 0.0051 V (0.75 %) and prediction accuracy of R2 > 0.98 and MAPE < 6 % for coolant flow rate and reaction heat. It also demonstrates reliable extrapolation predictive capability under operating conditions not included in the fitting dataset. The simulation model is applied to analyze system efficiency, revealing that hydrogen and air stoichiometries of 1.2 and 2.5 maximize stack and net efficiency, respectively, while the air compressor must simultaneously satisfy flow–pressure requirements of the PEMFC stack and minimize power consumption. By combining physical accuracy at the stack level with flexibility in system-level modeling, the proposed simulation model provides a practical and interpretable tool for PEMFC system analysis and optimization under steady-state conditions. [Display omitted] • A semi-empirical simulation model of 1 kW PEMFC system is developed. • Seven physically meaningful parameters are fitted by non-linear regression. • Model is validated with experiments, showing strong agreement. • MATLAB is integrated to HYSYS, enabling system-level simulation. • Efficiency analysis reveals key role of compressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]