In this paper, a macro-model of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack is proposed. A comparative study is made by simulation for the proposed PEMFC macro-model and a reported PEMFC impedance model, which use for PEMFC dynamic a transfer function and an electrical circuit, respectively. The macro-model approximates the theoretical PEMFC current-voltage characteristic by a controlled voltage source. Development of an electrical equivalent PEMFC macro-model is essential to predict their electrical performances in power applications. The advantages of the proposed PEMFC macro-model are clearly put in evidence by simulations.

Keywords: Macro-model, Fuel cell, Inverter, Current ripple, Static & dynamic electrical performances