Application of Boost Inverter for Grid Connected Fuel Cell Based Power Generation

Here in this paper, the boost inverter topology is utilized as a building block for a single phase grid connected fuel cell (FC) system presenting low cost and compactness. In addition, the recommended system incorporates battery based energy storage and a dc-dc bidirectional converter to support the slow dynamics of the FC. The single phase boost converter is voltage mode maintained and low frequency current ripple is current mode controlled. The low frequency current ripple is delivered by the battery which reduces the effects of such ripple being drawn directly from the FC itself. Even though, this system can operate either in a grid connected or standalone mode. In the mode of grid connected, the boost inverter is capable in order to control the active (P) and reactive (Q) powers using an algorithm based on a second order generalized integrator which generates a fast signal conditioning for single phase systems. Here we can reduce the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) at the grid side. Also we have the backup storage device in order to for the support of the slow dynamics of the FC sources which are integrated in a single system. Design model and guidelines, simulation, and experimental results gathered from a laboratory prototype are available to confirm the performance of the recommended system. KeywordsBoost Inverter, Fuel Cell, and Grid Connected Inverter, Power Conditioning System