Research
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Hydrogen systems under changing loads
How can an electrolyser follow a variable power supply without shortening its useful life? My group studies this question in proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysers and the related problem of durability in fuel cells. We combine experiments, models of heat and mass transport, and control theory to connect what can be measured at the stack terminals to what is happening inside a cell.
Measurements, models and control
- Diagnosis and prognosis. We use impedance spectra, polarisation curves, temperature and magnetic-field measurements to study losses, detect faults and track ageing.
- Physics-informed modelling. We combine electrochemical and transport equations with experimental data to estimate internal states and predict performance as the load changes.
- Control and energy management. We study how to share power between stacks, schedule maintenance, and control converters in hydrogen systems, renewable microgrids and hybrid electric vehicles.
Experimental facilities
In Belfort, we test models on PEM electrolyser benches, including the 2 kW PIELIZ platform. Alongside these experiments, the group uses rapid control prototyping, hardware-in-the-loop testing and the FCLAB fuel cell and electrolyser facilities.
Software and models
AlphaPEM. Developed within the ANR DEAL project, with Raphaël Gass as principal contributor, this open-source Python model resolves gas and two-phase water transport across a PEM fuel cell. It can simulate internal water saturation, voltage transients and impedance spectra. Read the software paper.
Fuel cell catalyst degradation. Walid Touil’s doctoral work connects platinum catalyst degradation to stack operation and voltage performance. The model makes it possible to compare how different operating histories affect degradation. Read the modelling paper.