Dynamic simulation of a PEM fuel cell: Insights into efficiency, thermal, and fluid management

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are emerging as critical technology for clean and efficient energy conversion, providing a path to worldwide decarbonization and renewable power generation. Their successful integration into renewable and hybrid systems necessitates a thorough understanding of the interconnected electrochemical, thermal, and fluid processes that regulate performance. However, many existing models oversimplify these dynamic interactions, resulting in an inadequate understanding of system-level behavior and control optimization. This study fills that gap by creating a dynamic MATLAB/Simulink-based model of a PEM fuel cell to investigate how integrated thermal and fluid management affect efficiency, gas usage, and operational stability under changing loads. The model includes several critical subsystems, including the membrane electrode assembly, gas flow routes, heat regulation, and purge control. Simulation findings show a peak electrical output of 95 kW with a power density of 1.116 W cm⁻². This highlights the need for active cooling and purging strategies in reducing hydrogen loss and preserving stack performance. The findings aid sustainable PEM fuel cell design and real-time control development.