ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), which are low-operating-temperature fuel cells intended for use in mass-production fuel cell vehicles that are currently under development by the major auto manufacturers, as well as in offices and residences. It addresses the issue of fuel cells’ slow transient response to load changes, which is important since the dynamic behavior of a fuel cell is integral to the overall stability and performance of the power system formed by the fuel supply, fuel cell stack, power conditioner, and electrical load. The book presents the understanding of the design of feedback controllers. It discusses two important applications of fuel cells where dynamic response is important to vehicles and to fixed-voltage hybrid power generation systems. The book deals with a temperature controller design for PEMFC by considering its thermal transfer function.
