Low-frequency input ripple current compensation in single-phase fuel cell power systems

摘要

Fuel cells are non-polluting, renewable and one of the most efficient technologies for generating electrical energy. A front-end DC-DC converter with a back-end DC-AC inverter constitutes the power condition system for the fuel cells. For single-phase applications, a single-phase inverter is used which introduces a second order harmonic in the fuel cell output current. The low-frequency current ripple needs to be mitigated as it adversely affects the efficiency, performance, lifespan, and reliability of the fuel cell. A current control algorithm for the front-end DC-DC converter stage to reduce the second order harmonic current ripple drawn from the fuel cell source is presented. A modified inverter control is proposed to improve the system output quality. The system has been simulated in MATLAB; the results contrasted with those of the conventional method. The experimental results acquired from the laboratory prototype of the proposed approach validates its effectiveness. The proposed control is implemented using a digital signal processor.