Simulating an Aircraft Power Unit Based on a Hydrogen-Air Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24160/0013-5380-2026-8-41-52Keywords:
hydrogen-air proton exchange membrane fuel cell, power unit, centrifugal air compressor, membrane humidifier, light aircraft, modeling, SimInTechAbstract
The article presents the mathematical model of an aircraft power unit based on a liquid-cooled hydrogen-air proton exchange membrane fuel cell for a capacity of 30 kW. The model was implemented in the SimInTech dynamic simulation environment. In addition to the fuel cell proper, the model includes systems that support its operation, in particular, a humidified air supply system. It includes a motor driven compressor that can consume up to 20 % of the electric energy generated, a membrane humidifier, which is of key importance from the viewpoint of ensuring the fuel cell reliable operation in terms of air humidity control, and other devices. Their mathematical models are presented and have been validated. Using the developed power unit model, its operation was simulated according to the typical flight cycle of a light aircraft with an electric propulsion system. It is shown that the fuel cell is capable of independently providing all the required power of the electric propulsion system during cruise flight at an altitude of up to 1650 m and a speed of 120 km/h. The implemented mathematical model can also be useful in designing cars, ships, trains, and other vehicles based on a hydrogen-air proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
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Исследование выполнено в рамках реализации МГТУ им. Н.Э. Баумана программы создания и развития инжинирингового центра по приоритетным направлениям научно-технического развития «Центр исследований электротехнических комплексов» в соответствии с Соглашением о предоставлении из федерального бюджета грантов в форме субсидий от 23.06.2025 № 075-15-2025-568.
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The study was carried out as part of implementing the Bauman Moscow State Technical University program for establishing and developing the engineering center on priority areas of scientific and technical development "Center for Research of Electrical Complexes" in accordance with the Agreement on the provision of grants from the federal budget in the form of subsidies dated June 23, 2025 no. 075-15-2025-568.
