A Multi-Objective Power Management Strategy for Multi-Stack Fuel Cell Systems Considering Consistency in Stack Performance

Abstract

For enhancing the economy and durability of the multi-stack fuel cells system (MFCS) under the long-term cycle conditions of hydrogen electric multiple units (HEMU), a multi-objective power management strategy is proposed considering the stack performance consistency. Firstly, an aging model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is established based on the steady-state and dynamic electrochemical surface area (ECSA) model. To update the output characteristic curves and hydrogen consumption curves of PEMFCs in real-time, an online estimation method is employed based on an improved particle filter (PF) algorithm. Building upon this, an adaptive multi-objective optimal control model is established, incorporating MFCS performance consistency and real-time hydrogen consumption, to balance the operational economic efficiency and aging performance consistency of MFCS. To solve the optimal power distribution problem, the variable-order adaptive Legendre–Gauss–Radau orthogonal collocation method is applied, utilizing the GPOPS toolbox. The research findings demonstrate that the proposed method significantly reduces hydrogen consumption compared to the equalization distribution method, mitigates power fluctuations in poorly durable stacks, and promotes convergence of stack aging, effectively extending the system's lifespan.