An one-dimensional dynamic model based on PEM fuel cell electrochemical reaction mechanism, energy conservation, mass conservation and empirical data was constructed. The change of the internal state caused by the changes in physical properties and system operating conditions, such as change in membrane water content, and the observable relevant signal response can be simulated by this model. The typical faults commonly happened in the fuel cell system are embedded into this model, and the simulation results are compared to the actual fault data in engineering. It was found that the model can qualitatively reflect the typical faults which can be explained with reasonable mechanism. Based on this model, a typical fault database can be constructed for the subsequent study of fault diagnosis methods.
