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Design and Performance Analysis of a
Fuel Cell Power System for a Small

Electric Vehicle
Group Members
Shoaib Zafar 21-ME-13

Jawad Akhtar 21-ME-105
Saad Shahbaz 21-ME-109
Introduction
This report outlines the design and simulation of a hydrogen-based fuel cell system which aims to
identify the output a hydrogen based fuel cell, which can be used power many things. The system
demonstrates the operation and efficiency of the fuel cell stack, with a focus on generating sufficient
power while maintaining optimal hydrogen and air flow rates. The fuel cell selected is a Proton
Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), which is commonly used in automotive applications due
to its efficiency and power density.
History of Renewable Fuel Cells

Early Discovery:
 In 1838, Welsh scientist William Grove developed the first rudimentary fuel cell, which he
called a "gas voltaic battery."
 By the mid-20th century, fuel cell technology gained traction with NASA's use of hydrogen
fuel cells in spacecraft to provide electricity and water during missions.
Commercial Development:
 The 1990s saw increased research into hydrogen fuel cells for civilian use, especially in
transportation and power generation.
 Early models faced challenges like high costs, limited hydrogen infrastructure, and durability
issues.
Modern Advances:
 Over the past two decades, significant advances in materials science, catalysis, and system
design have made fuel cells more efficient, reliable, and scalable.
Importance of Renewable Fuel Cells
Clean Energy Source:

 Hydrogen fuel cells emit only water as a byproduct, making them an
environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
 They contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating
climate change.
Energy Versatility:
 Fuel cells can power a wide range of applications, from vehicles (cars,
buses, trains) to stationary power plants and portable devices.
Efficiency and Energy Security:
 Hydrogen fuel cells have higher energy conversion efficiency compared
to internal combustion engines.
 They promote energy independence by enabling the use of domestically
produced hydrogen.
Model Overview
 Display Block
 Open Circuit Voltage Monitor
 Load Block
 Feedback and Control Loop
 Scope Block
 Power Calculation (Multiplication Block)
 Hydrogen and Air Flow Controllers
 Fuel Cell Stack
Function Blocks
Two function blocks are used to calculate the hydrogen flow rate and air flow
rate based on the target power requirements of the vehicle. Below given
equation is the basis on which we have created our code, this equation form
the very soul of our code which runs the model.
Figure : Function (Air Code) Figure : Function (Hydrogen Code)

Key parameters of the fuel cell stack
This Fuel Cell Stack Mask is a user-defined simulation parameter
configuration for modeling a hydrogen fuel cell in MATLAB/Simulink. Here's an
explanation of the parameters listed in the interface:
Nominal Operating Point (I nom, V nom)
I nom= 218 A.
V nom= 1495 V.
Number of Cells:
Here, 400 cells are used.
Nominal Stack Efficiency (%):
70%
Operating Temperature (Celsius):
50 C
Nominal Air Flow Rate (lpm):
2100 lpm
Nominal Supply Pressure:
Fuel: 1.5 bar
Air: 1.0 bar
Nominal Composition (%):
Specifies the percentage composition of gases entering the stack:
H2:99.95%
O2:21%
H2O (Air):1%
This setup is crucial for accurately modelling fuel cell dynamics, including
power output, efficiency, and gas flow rates, under simulated conditions.
Figure : Fuel Cell Parameters

Curves
Stack Voltage vs. Current (Upper Graph):
X-axis (Current in Amps): Represents the electrical current drawn from the
fuel cell stack.
Y-axis (Voltage in Volts): Represents the stack output voltage.
Voltage Drop with Current:
The graph shows a typical characteristic of fuel cells where voltage decreases
as the current increases due to internal resistances and losses (activation,
ohmic, and concentration losses).
Key Points:
 At Nominal Point (218 A, 1495 V):
This is the optimal operating point for the stack, providing efficient
voltage and current output.
 At Maximum Operating Point (446 A, 500 V):
Represents the highest allowable current, where the voltage drops
significantly due to increased internal resistance.
Stack Power vs. Current (Lower Graph):
X-axis (Current in Amps): Represents the current drawn.
Y-axis (Power in Kilowatts): Represents the electrical power output.
Power Curve Behaviour:
 Initially, power increases with current due to the direct relationship
between power, voltage, and current (P=V⋅I).
 After a peak, power starts to decrease due to the significant voltage
drop at high currents.
Key Points:
 Peak Power (325.91 kW):
The optimal point where the stack delivers maximum power efficiently
before voltage losses dominate.
 End Power (at 446 A):
The power decreases to 223 kW due to the reduced voltage at high
current.
Practical Insights:
This graph is essential for identifying the peak power output and ensuring the
fuel cell operates within the optimal range for maximum energy efficiency.
Future of Hydrogen-Based Fuel Cells
Technological Breakthroughs:
Research aims to reduce costs by using cheaper catalysts (e.g., reducing
reliance on platinum) and improving membrane technology.
Innovations like solid oxide and proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells
are advancing performance.
Infrastructure Development:
Expansion of hydrogen production facilities, storage solutions, and fueling
stations is crucial for widespread adoption.
Technologies like electrolysis using renewable energy could make hydrogen
production more sustainable.
Integration with Renewable Energy
Hydrogen can store excess energy generated by solar and wind power,
addressing intermittency issues and enabling grid stability.
Global Adoption:
Countries like Japan, Germany, and South Korea are leading investments in
hydrogen strategies, including fuel cell vehicles and industrial applications.
Hydrogen fuel cells are expected to play a critical role in decarbonizing
industries like steelmaking, shipping, and aviation.
Mass-Market Deployment:
Affordable hydrogen production, policy incentives, and robust infrastructure
will drive the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells across sectors.
By 2050, hydrogen could account for up to 18% of global energy demand,
according to some forecasts.
Challenges to Address
High costs of production, storage, and transport of hydrogen.
Development of a robust hydrogen economy and policy frameworks.
Public awareness and acceptance of hydrogen technologies.
With continuous innovation and investment, hydrogen-based fuel cells are
poised to revolutionize energy systems, aligning with global goals for
sustainability and carbon neutrality.

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Design and Performance Analysis of a

Fuel Cell Power System for a Small

Shoaib Zafar 21-ME-13

History of Renewable Fuel Cells

Clean Energy Source:

Figure : Function (Air Code) Figure : Function (Hydrogen Code)

Figure : Fuel Cell Parameters

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