Intelligent system for the dynamic modeling and operation of fuel cells

A method for controlling an output of a fuel cell having a separation layer between an anode and a cathode and operative to vary at least one effective dimension of the separation layer, said method comprising:

• continuously sense an output of the fuel cell;
• continuously approximate a given effective separation layer dimension for a desired output of the fuel cell using a non-linear process model;
• and
• continuously control a separation layer dimension control system associated with the fuel cell and operable to change an effective dimension of the separation layer in order to selectively change said effective dimension of said separation layer to said given effective separation layer dimension.

A method for controlling an output of a fuel cell having a membrane between an anode and a cathode and operative to vary at least one effective dimension of the membrane, said method comprising:

• continuously sense an output of the fuel cell;
• continuously approximate a given effective membrane dimension for a desired output of the fuel cell using a non-linear process model;
• and
• continuously change an effective dimension of the membrane in order to selectively change said effective dimension of said membrane to said given effective membrane dimension.

A method for controlling an output of a fuel cell having a separation layer between an anode and a cathode and operative to vary at least one effective dimension of the separation layer, said method comprising:

• continuously sense an output of the fuel cell;
• continuously approximate a given effective separation layer dimension for a desired output of the fuel cell using a non-linear process model;
• and
• continuously change an effective dimension of the separation layer in order to selectively change said effective dimension of said separation layer to said given effective separation layer dimension.