On-line model-based fault detection and isolation for PEM fuel cell stack systems

Efficient and reliable operation of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are key requirements for their successful commercialization and application. The use of diagnostic techniques enables the achievement of these requirements. This paper focuses on model-based fault detection and isolation (FDI) for PEM fuel cell stack systems. The work consists in designing and selecting a subset of consistency relations such that a set of predefined faults can be detected and isolated. Despite a nonlinear model of the PEM fuel cell stack system will be used, consistency relations that are easily implemented by a variable back substitution method will be selected. The paper also shows the significance of structural models to solve diagnosis issues in complex systems.