RCAIDE.Library.Methods.Powertrain.Converters.Fuel_Cells.Larminie_Model.compute_fuel_cell_performance

compute_fuel_cell_performance#

compute_fuel_cell_performance(fuel_cell_stack, state, bus, coolant_lines, t_idx, delta_t)[source]#

Computes the performance of a fuel cell stack using the Larminie-Dicks model.

Parameters:

  • fuel_cell_stack (RCAIDE.Components.Energy.Converters.Fuel_Cell_Stack) – The fuel cell stack component containing cell properties and electrical configuration

  • state (RCAIDE.Framework.Mission.Common.State) – Container for mission segment conditions

  • bus (RCAIDE.Components.Energy.Distribution.Electric_Bus) – The electric bus to which the fuel cell stack is connected

  • coolant_lines (list) – List of coolant line components for thermal management

  • t_idx (int) – Current time index in the simulation

  • delta_t (float) – Time step size [s]

Returns:

  • stored_results_flag (bool) – Flag indicating that results have been stored for potential reuse

  • stored_fuel_cell_stack_tag (str) – Tag identifier of the fuel cell stack with stored results

Notes

This function implements the Larminie-Dicks model to calculate fuel cell performance based on current operating conditions. It determines the optimal current density that matches the required power output, then calculates voltage, efficiency, and fuel consumption.

The function handles both series and parallel electrical configurations for connecting the fuel cell stack to the electric bus.

Major Assumptions

  • Uniform temperature distribution across all cells

  • No transient effects (steady-state operation at each time step)

  • Hydrogen is the only fuel considered

  • Ideal gas behavior

Theory

The Larminie-Dicks model calculates cell voltage as:

\[V = E_0 - A\ln(j) - Rj - m\exp(nj)\]
where:

  • E₀ is the open circuit voltage

  • A is the activation loss coefficient

  • R is the ohmic resistance

  • m and n are mass transport loss coefficients

  • j is the current density

The efficiency is calculated as:

\[\eta = \frac{V}{E_{ideal}}\]

References

[1] Larminie, J., & Dicks, A. (2003). Fuel Cell Systems Explained (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

See also

RCAIDE.Library.Methods.Powertrain.Converters.Fuel_Cells.Larminie_Model.compute_voltage, RCAIDE.Library.Methods.Powertrain.Converters.Fuel_Cells.Larminie_Model.compute_power_difference