LAUSR

Abstract In this contribution an approach for the analysis of the operation parameters of a fuel cell system is presented, which can be used for a lifetime and efficiency optimization. For this purpose, a physically-based polarization curve model of an automotive fuel cell stack is derived, which enables a realistic simulation study. Furthermore, the influence of degradation based on semi-empirical correlations for the loss of catalytic activity is included. This stack model is combined with a simplified fuel cell system model and used for a subsequent simulation study with focus on the system efficiency on the one hand and the lifetime on the other hand. The results show that an adaption of the operation parameters of the system can partly counteract the deterioration of the efficiency due to degradation. Furthermore, the lifetime of the stack could be enhanced at the cost of lower efficiency.