Modeling of Fuel-Cell-Based Power Supply System for Grid Interface

Renewable energy systems have developed wide interest to supply electricity in remote areas as well as for distributed power generation particularly during peak loads. Fuel-cell-based power generation is also gaining popularity in residential applications as well as distributed power generation due to its cleanliness, portability, and suitability for electricity and heat generation. Development of a suitable power electronic interface to make the technology viable is still a challenge. This paper presents modeling, simulation, and experimental study of a fuel cell (FC) power plant (FCPP) suitable for stand-alone application as well as for microgrid/grid interface. A single-stage pulsewidth modulation inverter is selected as power electronic interface between FC and grid. A mathematical model is developed in per unit system to define the power limits in terms of FC, converter, and power system parameters. The simulation model is developed in MATLAB environment with control scheme implementation in qd reference frame for investigation. A prototype of single-stage FCPP is developed in the laboratory to validate the results.