Multi-loop modeling and feedforward control of a PEM electrolyzer
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17979/ja-cea.2026.47.13736Keywords:
Control of renewable energy resources, Modeling and simulation of power systems, Control system design, Process control applications, Process modeling and identificationAbstract
A control and simulation-oriented dynamic model of a PEM water electrolyzer (PEMWE) operating under variable and known power is studied. The model combines a steady-state characterization based on the electrochemistry of the system with a dynamic energy balance, as well as mass balances in the gas–liquid separators attached to the electrodes. These two descriptions are integrated to develop a control strategy for critical variables such as the hydrogen and oxygen pressures in the separators and the overall stack temperature. Dynamic tests are performed to evaluate the interaction between variables through the construction of a relative gain array (RGA), which allows the definition of a multi-loop PI control structure. Based on this analysis, a feedforward controller has been implemented to significantly improve the thermal response of the system.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Carlos Geijo, Daniel Sarabia, Alejandro Merino
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