Model validation of a modular power generation system and remote monitoring

Nowadays, the demand for energy is rapidly increasing. Industrialization, urbanization, and technological advancements are raising the energy demand every day. To meet this demand, various alternative energy sources are being sought. Although these needs are still met by fossil fuels, the need for renewable energy sources has now increased. One of these sources is hydrogen energy. Hydrogen energy can be utilized with fuel cells. Fuel cells are devices that convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy and are used in many fields such as automotive, stationary power generation, portable devices, and spacecraft. One of the most preferred fuel cells is the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are preferred due to their high energy efficiency, high power density, and low operating temperatures. In this study, a study was conducted to determine and remotely monitor the parameters of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Particle swarm optimization was applied to determine the parameters of the fuel cell. The determined parameters were remotely monitored through an interface prepared in the LabVIEW program. With the remote monitoring system for the fuel cell, the current, voltage, and power values of the cell were monitored, and the current-voltage graph of the cell was obtained. By examining this graph, it was possible to observe that the cell operates at its maximum power point. The monitoring system made it easy to detect faults, determine maintenance needs, and other conditions.