ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the linear and nonlinear control designs for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, and the modeling of fuel cells is also covered accordingly. It provides a linear ratio control strategy based on the distributed parameter model of fuel cells that includes the effect of spatial variations. Fuel cell-based power systems present a wide range of challenging problems for control and systems integration. The control system attempts to diagnose abnormal operation, monitors heath of stack, and adapts operation to address material and electrode degradation. Due to the complexity of the fuel cell system, control strategies are applied in various aspects, including compressor motor control, pressure control, humidity control, temperature control, ratio control, control of output voltage and current. A ratio control strategy was also implemented in to avoid the problem of oxygen starvation and to satisfy the maximum power density demand.
