Systems and methods for predicting polarization curves in a fuel cell system

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that may be used to predict a performance metric of a fuel cell. A system consistent with the present disclosure may include sensors in communication with the fuel cell stack, a performance metric prediction system, and a control system. The performance metric prediction system may determine a current density based on inputs provided by the sensors at a plurality of time periods, calculate a first parameter while the current density is below a lower threshold, and calculate a second parameter while the current density is above an upper threshold. The first parameter and the second parameter may be used to selectively adjust a fuel cell polarization curve over time. Based upon the polarization curve, a performance metric of the fuel cell stack may be predicted. The control system may implement a control action based upon the performance metric.