1. A Maximum Power Targeting for a PEM Fuel Cell using an NMPC Framework
Chrisovalantou Ziogou,
Chemical Process Engineering Research Institute (CPERI),
Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH),
Thessaloniki, Greece
Spyros Voutetakis1, Simira Papadopoulou1,2, Panos Seferlis1,3 , Nikos Karampetakis4
1 Chemical Process Eng. Research Institute (CPERI), CERTH,
2 Department of Automation, ATEITh,
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, AUTh,
4 Department of Mathematics, AUTh,

2. Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell - Modeling & Control
Model Formulation Requirements
Efficient control of FC operation
Drive the system according to the desired trajectory
Takes into consideration the internal effects of the power
Choose proper operating region to ensure optimum effectiveness and avoid starvation
Control Objectives
Operate close to maximum power
Satisfy safe operation conditions by preserving oxidant concentration
Conventional PID control of outlet anode and cathode pressure

3. NMPC on Power Targeting
FC Power
O2 Excess Ratio
Objective Function
Manipulated Variables: Current (I)
Controlled Variables: Power (P),
O2 excess ratio (λ)

4. Maximum Power Targeting
On-line optimum power point prediction directs the desired trajectory for P,λ
Desired area of operation
SP Trajectory

5. Parameter Estimation - Activation & Concentration Losess
The parameter estimation enhances the accuracy of future model predictions
Model validation using experimental data 
Further optimization of the process performance

6. Simulation Results & Conclusions
The MPC leads the “Virtual Process” to a safe state
The system keeps the Power in lower values than the maximum SP
Retains stable operation even when process condition changes
Safe, reliable and near optimal operation