Hydrogen fuel cell model development and analyzing the effect of changing fuel cell resistance on model performance

Hydrogen fuel cells are the devices which converts chemical energy stored in hydrogen in to power as it may be effectively used for electricity. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity as well as useful heat and water that can be used for further application. Hydrogen fuel cells are more efficient and has zero emission properties when compared to combustion-based power generation techniques. A simulation model of hydrogen fuel cells can provide an insight in to amount of power production, voltage levels, current levels and excessive heat produced for the amount of power generated. Hydrogen fuel cell simulation model using MATLAB software in simulink environment has been developed in this work and the outcomes such as current, voltage, power and temperature are measured. The effect of changing internal resistance of fuel cells on outcome parameters has been studied in this experimental analysis. Increase in internal resistance result in increase in voltage and temperature but decrease in current and fluctuated results were obtained in generated power. The maximum power of 28.563 KW obtained by the model when internal resistance value is considered to be 350 Ω. Thus, the developed model provides optimal internal resistance value for maximum power generation; accordingly, the hydrogen fuel cell can be constructed.