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AlphaPEM: an open-source dynamic 1D physics-based PEM fuel cell model for embedded applications

Raphaël Gass, Zhongliang Li, Rachid Outbib, Samir Jemeï, Daniel Hissel

TL;DR

AlphaPEM addresses the need for fast, physics-based, open-source PEM fuel cell models suitable for embedded control by delivering a 1D dynamic, isothermal, biphasic simulator implemented in Python. It provides real-time access to internal states (e.g., $C_v$, $s$, $\lambda$) and voltage, with automatic calibration of undetermined parameters via a genetic algorithm and the ability to generate polarization and EIS curves using an implicit solver (e.g., solve_ivp with the BDF method). The work demonstrates calibration workflows requiring at least three polarization curves and shows dynamic internal-state tracking under current profiles, enabling model-based control and diagnosis for embedded applications. This open, modular tool supports rapid experimentation and future extensions (heat transport, degradation, 1D+1D, stacks) to advance practical fuel cell management and longevity.

Abstract

The urgency of the energy transition requires improving the performance and longevity of hydrogen technologies. AlphaPEM is a dynamic one-dimensional (1D) physics-based PEM fuel cell system simulator, programmed in Python and experimentally validated. It offers a good balance between accuracy and execution speed. The modular architecture allows for addition of new features, and it has a user-friendly graphical interface. An automatic calibration method is proposed to match the model to the studied fuel cell. The software provides information on the internal states of the system in response to any current density and can produce polarization and EIS curves. AlphaPEM facilitates the use of a model in embedded conditions, allowing real-time modification of the fuel cell's operating conditions.

AlphaPEM: an open-source dynamic 1D physics-based PEM fuel cell model for embedded applications

TL;DR

AlphaPEM addresses the need for fast, physics-based, open-source PEM fuel cell models suitable for embedded control by delivering a 1D dynamic, isothermal, biphasic simulator implemented in Python. It provides real-time access to internal states (e.g., , , ) and voltage, with automatic calibration of undetermined parameters via a genetic algorithm and the ability to generate polarization and EIS curves using an implicit solver (e.g., solve_ivp with the BDF method). The work demonstrates calibration workflows requiring at least three polarization curves and shows dynamic internal-state tracking under current profiles, enabling model-based control and diagnosis for embedded applications. This open, modular tool supports rapid experimentation and future extensions (heat transport, degradation, 1D+1D, stacks) to advance practical fuel cell management and longevity.

Abstract

The urgency of the energy transition requires improving the performance and longevity of hydrogen technologies. AlphaPEM is a dynamic one-dimensional (1D) physics-based PEM fuel cell system simulator, programmed in Python and experimentally validated. It offers a good balance between accuracy and execution speed. The modular architecture allows for addition of new features, and it has a user-friendly graphical interface. An automatic calibration method is proposed to match the model to the studied fuel cell. The software provides information on the internal states of the system in response to any current density and can produce polarization and EIS curves. AlphaPEM facilitates the use of a model in embedded conditions, allowing real-time modification of the fuel cell's operating conditions.
Paper Structure (10 sections, 4 figures, 3 tables)

This paper contains 10 sections, 4 figures, 3 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Motivation and significance
  2. Software description
  3. Software architecture
  4. Software functionalities
  5. Illustrative examples
  6. Polarization curves and parameters calibration
  7. Fuel cell system internal states
  8. Impact
  9. Conclusions
  10. Extract of the model equations

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: The main structure of AlphaPEM (the reader is referred to the colored web version of this article for improved readability).
  • Figure 2: AlphaPEM graphical user interface.
  • Figure 3: Polarization curves generated by AlphaPEM simulating a single fuel cell system from EH Group EHGroupClean under various operating conditions.
  • Figure 4: Internal states generated by AlphaPEM simulating a single fuel cell system from EH Group EHGroupClean under two current density step stimulations.