Fast Dynamic Response in a Fuel Cell based Converter using Augmented Energy Storage

In order to use a fuel cell as an alternative energy source, a DC to DC converter is used to regulate the output voltage. A step-up converter is used to increase the voltage and maintain low input current ripple. Such a system has a poor dynamic response if the converter is a non-minimum phase system. Moreover, some of fuel cells have a poor dynamic response. The paper proposes an augmented system consisting of a energy storage capacitor and a bi-directional converter that is able to compensate the response of the fuel cell system. The paper proposes a multi-loop control scheme to regulate the DC voltage. Stability analysis and experimental results are included.