Constrained predictive control strategies for PEM fuel cells

This paper presents some results in advanced control of PEM fuel cells. The work analyzes the use of control strategies that try to fulfill different operational objectives. A preliminary study of PEM fuel requirements leads to three different control criteria: tracking of a desired output voltage, avoidance of starvation and maximization of efficiency. These criteria can be achieved by the design of different control algorithms based on Generalized Predictive Control (GPC), extended with the consideration of measurable disturbances. This controller can also consider two constraints: one physical limit such as compressor voltage, and one operational limit which is introduced in order to avoid starvation: oxygen excess ratio.