Model and Experimental Validation of a Controllable Membrane-Type Humidifier for Fuel Cell Applications

Authors

Denise A. McKay, University of Michigan, Ann ArborFollow
Anna G. Stefanopoulou, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Jeffrey Cook, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-30-2008

Publication Title

Proceedings of the American Control Conference

Abstract

For temperature and humidity control of fuel cell reactants, a gas humidification apparatus was designed and constructed. We then developed a low-order, control-oriented model of the humidification system thermal dynamics based on first principles. A simple and reproducible methodology is then employed for parameterizing the humidification system model using experimental data. Finally, the system model is experimentally validated under a wide range of operating conditions. It is shown that a physics based estimation of the air-vapor mixture relative humidity leaving the humidifier system (supplied to the fuel cell) is possible using temperature and pressure measurements. This estimation eliminates the need for a bulky and expensive humidity sensor and enables the future application of temperature feedback control for thermal and humidity management of the fuel cell reactants.

First Page

312

Last Page

317

DOI

10.1109/ACC.2008.4586509

ISSN

07431619

Rights

©2008 AACC.

Comments

Archived as published.

Recommended Citation

McKay, Denise A.; Stefanopoulou, Anna G.; and Cook, Jeffrey, "Model and Experimental Validation of a Controllable Membrane-Type Humidifier for Fuel Cell Applications" (2008). Engineering: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/egr_facpubs/121