Control oriented modeling of integrated catalyst and membrane degradation in PEM fuel cells

Polymer exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology is promoted as a zero-emission alternative for transportation. Nevertheless, the challenge of extending the lifespan of fuel cell components persists as a significant obstacle, particularly in the context of transportation applications. This challenge can be better addressed by optimal control of operating conditions. Advancing optimal control strategies to prolong fuel cell lifespan requires a precise degradation model capable of accurately forecasting performance declines in real-world operating conditions. In this study, we introduce an innovative modeling framework comprising a multiphysics model and a fuel cell degradation model. The latter covers the degradation of the catalyst layer and the membrane, which are two critical components of PEM fuel cells. In the model, the catalyst degradation considers various factors that influence the electrochemical surface area, while the membrane degradation characterizes the evolution of the remaining membrane thickness. Meanwhile, the multiphysics model discerns the internal states of the fuel cells, which are crucial for evaluating degradation trends, and continuously updates the fuel cells' performance based on feedback from the degradation model. The coupling between these two models allows for the prediction of multiple degradation processes, including the losses attributed to each component under diverse operating conditions. The model was validated using experimental data from accelerated stress tests.