Solutions

Fuel Cell System Modeling

GT-SUITE is the ideal platform for the analysis and optimization of fuel cell systems and their components

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Solution Overview

Range Of Capabilities

Combining industry leading productivity tools and collaboration features with advanced multi-physics modeling capabilities, GT-SUITE can be used throughout the entire product development process.

GT-SUITE integrates flow, thermal, chemical, and electrical solutions to enable complete modeling of the Balance of Plant and Vehicle Systems, such as air compression and humidification, hydrogen storage and recirculation, cooling systems, power management controls, and more.

The flexible range of fidelity provides an ideal simulation environment for system design, component selection, and controls optimization.

hydrogen logo on gas stations fuel dispenser. h2 combustion Truck engine for emission free ecofriendly transport.
Fuel cell vehicle

Application Highlights

Modeling the Complete Fuel Cell System

  • Modeling of any fuel-cell system configuration with GT-SUITE’s object-oriented model building architecture
  • Design and selection of components such as fuel cell stack, compressors, pumps, humidifiers, ejectors, heat exchangers, tanks, and more.
  • Optimization of water management, thermal, stoichiometry, and pressure controls.
  • Drive-cycle analysis for power management and battery sizing to ensure drivability, fuel economy, and reliability
  • Ability to operate at the proper combination of fidelity and speed to capture important transient effects, such as flooding, starvation, hot spots, and more.
  • Solver Features:
    • Compressible Navier-Stokes solution with real gas equation
    • Multiple species and multiple phases possible
    • Dynamic condensation and evaporation models
    • Time-accurate solver – required for transient analyses and control system development
    • Well-tested compressor and turbine map interpolation and extrapolation capabilities
Heavy Duty Industrial Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack System
Fuel Cell Cooling

Advanced Features

Advanced Fuel Cell System Integration Tools

GT-SUITE supports higher-fidelity analysis with real-time simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, degradation modeling, and multi-domain co-simulation for the most demanding fuel cell development needs.

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PEMFC, SOFC & Electrolysis Solutions

Solutions for PEMFC, SOFC, and Electrolysis.

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Multi-System Integration

Integration with other systems modeled in GT-SUITE.

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Real-Time & XiL Modeling

Real-time modeling and XiL compatibility.

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Dedicated Fuel Cell Component Templates

Dedicated templates for modeling fuel cell system components such as humidifiers and ejectors.

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High-Fidelity 3D-to-1D Model Conversion

High fidelity 3D-1D model conversion from CAD geometry using GEM3D.

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Fluid Property Library & User-Defined Fluids

Library of fluids provided with software, plus option to add user defined fluids.

Fuel Cell System Modeling FAQs

Frequently asked questions about fuel cell system modeling and simulation.

  • Can GT-SUITE model the full fuel cell system, or just the stack?

    The complete fuel cell system, from individual cell and stack through the full balance of plant and integrated vehicle or power system, lives in one environment with GT-SUITE. Air and hydrogen handling, cooling circuits, water management, and power management controls all work together, with no need to stitch together separate tools.

  • What if I do not have detailed stack data from my supplier?

    GT-SUITE is built to handle this. You can start from a measured polarization curve if that’s what’s available, or use physical MEA property inputs if you have more detail. The example models are a practical starting point that scales to your stack size and refines as supplier data becomes available.

  • How does GT-SUITE handle water management?

    In more depth than most system-level tools. Water production, condensation in channels and pipes, liquid separation and purging, and two-phase flow effects are all modeled. Crossover of water, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen is also captured, which matters for membrane hydration and long-term performance.

  • We are developing controls — Can GT-SUITE support that work?

    Yes. Real-time modeling and XiL compatibility mean the same model supports both system design and hardware-in-the-loop testing. GT-SUITE includes an out-of-box cathode stoichiometry controller, and the Fuel Cell Model Builder provides a working balance of plant model with controllers already in place.

Connect with an Expert

Looking for guidance on a systems simulation challenge or project? Fill out the form below and our team will reach out to discuss how we can help.

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+1 (555) 123-4567 or email [email protected]