Search Results

This investigation describes the dynamic modeling of a PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) fuel cell applied to a commercial 1kW dead end anode configuration. The system is tested and validated through some initial experiments. The model allows the characterization of the polarization curve, the evaluation of cell performance in terms of efficiency and consumption and the estimation of water production. To this purpose, an experimental set-up has been created using an electronic DC load (connected to a computer by RS232 serial communication) and an NI DAQ CompactRio evaluation board. The target is studying and testing solutions to improve performance, in particular with reference to hydrogen recovery solution from the purge valve. The fuel cell model has been interfaced with a 3D race simulator that is able to reproduce the environment of the competition and the specification of the vehicle.

The present study aims at the implementation of a Matlab/Simulink environment to assess the performance (thrust, specific fuel consumption, aircraft/engine mass, cost, etc.) and environmental impact (greenhouse and pollutant emissions) of conventional and more electric aircrafts. In particular, the benefits of adopting more electric solutions for either aircrafts at given missions specifications can be evaluated. The software, named PLA.N.E.S, includes a design workflow for the input of aircraft specification, kind of architecture (e.g. series or parallel) and for the definition of each component including energy converter (piston engine, turboprop, turbojet, fuel cell, etc.), energy storage system (batteries, super-capacitors), auxiliaries and secondary power systems. It is also possible to setup different energy management strategies for the optimal control of the energy flows among engine, secondary equipment and storage systems during the mission.