Fast Response, Load-Matching Hybrid Fuel Cell. Final Technical Progress Report

摘要

Hybrid distributed energy resource technologies are systems that combine two complementary generation or storage technologies. Interconnected with the grid, these systems can provide improved performance over a single power source and add value when matched to appropriate applications. In a typical residence, for electric power technologies interconnected with the grid, a key measure of hybrid system performance is the response of the system to nonlinear loads and step loads, e.g., motors. Of further interest is the ability of the hybrid system to improve the quality of electric service provided by the utility. The interconnected hybrid system could provide power during a utility outage and also compensate for voltage sags in utility service. Such a hybrid system would then function as a premium power provider and eliminate the potential need for an uninterruptible power supply. In this research project, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is combined with a relatively new product-an asymmetrical ultracapacitor-to provide a more robust power response to changes in system loading. Together, the fuel cell and the ultracapacitor serve both full-time and momentary loading. The very fast power response of the ultracapacitor complements the slower but longer-term power output of the fuel cell. The hybrid combination provides for power system response characteristics that are desired to serve a range of load and grid-interface requirements. This project also demonstrates the potential of hybrid DER technologies to improve overall power system capacity and compatibility with a variety of loads. This report covers the activities and accomplishments during the base year of a proposed 3-year option project.