Analysis of Supercapacitor as Second Source Based on Fuel Cell Power Generation

Author

Thounthong, Phatiphat ; Raël, Stéphane ; Davat, Bernard

Author_Institution

Dept. of Teacher Training in Electr. Eng. (TE), King Mongkut´´s Univ. of Technol. North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok

Volume

24

Issue

1

fYear

2009

fDate

3/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

247

Lastpage

255

Abstract

This paper presents the utilization of a supercapacitor as an auxiliary power source in a distributed generation system, composed of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) as the main energy source. The main weak point of fuel cells (FCs) is slow dynamics because one must limit the FC current slope in order to prevent fuel starvation problems, to improve its performance and lifetime. The very fast power response and high specific power of a supercapacitor can complement the slower power output of the main source to produce the compatibility and performance characteristics needed in a load. The FC and supercapacitor characteristics are clearly presented. Experimental results with small-scale devices (supercapacitor bank: 292-F, 30-V, 400-A; PEMFC: 500-W, 40-A) illustrate excellent performance during a motor drive cycle.

Keywords

distributed power generation; motor drives; proton exchange membrane fuel cells; supercapacitors; auxiliary power source; distributed generation system; fuel cell power generation; motor drive cycle; polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell; supercapacitor; Converters; current control; electric vehicles; energy storage; fuel cells (FCs); supercapacitor;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Energy Conversion, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0885-8969

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TEC.2008.2003216

Filename

4745787