Abstract
To ensure the continuous high-efficiency operation of fuel cell systems, it is essential to perform real-time estimation of the maximum efficiency point and maximum power point for multi-stack fuel cell systems. The region between these two power points is commonly referred to as the "high-efficiency operating region." Initially, a transformation of the general expression for hydrogen consumption in multi-stack fuel cell systems is conducted to obtain an algebraic expression for the efficiency curve of multi-stack fuel cells. Utilizing a polynomial differentiation approach, the parameter equation for the maximum system efficiency is computed. Subsequently, a reverse deduction is carried out using the maximum efficiency and its corresponding power of underperforming subsystems to enhance the maximum efficiency of multi-stack fuel cell systems.Furthermore, an equivalent hydrogen consumption minimization method is introduced for real-time optimization of hybrid energy systems. The state machine control method serves as an auxiliary strategy, imposing the high-efficiency operating region as a boundary constraint for the equivalent hydrogen consumption minimization strategy's results. This ensures that the multi-stack fuel cell system operates as much as possible within the high-efficiency operating region.Through simulation validation using MATLAB/Simulink, the proposed approach comprehensively leverages the advantages of the state machine and equivalent hydrogen consumption. This approach enables effective identification of the high-efficiency operating region of fuel cells, while concurrently enhancing the operational range efficiency of the system, reducing hydrogen consumption, and elevating system stability.