Standalone fuel cell generation system with different tracking techniques: economic analysis

摘要

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) can be operated at different points such as the maximum power point (MPP) to extract maximum power and the maximum efficiency point (MEP) to operate at maximum efficiency. However, the different tracking techniques influence the cost of electricity (COE) of the fuel cell generation system. In this paper, the economic analysis of the PEMFC with the MPP tracking (MPPT) and MEP tracking (MEPT) techniques using the HOMER energy system analysis software is presented. A detailed comparison of the economic impact of the tracking techniques for ten load configurations of a standalone fuel cell generation system, which includes combined heat and power (CHP) loads is presented and discussed. Finally, based on economic considerations, a procedure to select a suitable tracking technique for particular requirements of the standalone PEMFC application is proposed. It is found that in the case of CHP configuration, the MPPT technique is the preferred technique to achieve low COE.