Modellazione di sistemi Fuel Cell per applicazioni automotive = Fuel Cell Systems Modelling forAutomotive Application

In the compelling need for decarbonization of the transport and energy sectors, hydrogen could play an important role, both as an energy carrier and as a long-term storage medium for intermittent renewable energies such as solar and wind. The usage of hydrogen as a fuel for the transport sector seems to be the optimal solution wherever weight and range are the main constraints, like for heavy-duty transport, trains, cargo ships, and airplanes. Hydrogen chemical energy can be converted into mechanical or electrical energy mainly in two ways, by means of a combustion process in Internal Combustion Engines, or by means of electrochemical conversion in Fuel Cells. The aim of this dissertation is therefore to create a model of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEM-FC) system in commercially available software, GT-Suite. Before studying the system layout, a deep analysis of the stack model is done. The model under consideration allows numerous dynamic loss calculations. Some of the most important are activation losses with the Butler-Volmer equation and internal-ohmic resistance losses with Springer- Zawodzinski; this allows a dynamic calculation of the cell voltage based on the reactant’s conditions. A process to calibrate the losses is then proposed in order to fit the experimental data of the polarization curve at the operational conditions of the Fuel Cell stack. Established a robust calibration procedure, the focus of the dissertation shifts to the balance of plant, with the aim to find the most efficient solutions. The GT-Suite library allows the addition of the auxiliaries’ components, compressor, turbine, etc. Different layouts configuration and operating conditions are examined, under stationary conditions.