Active Filtering of Input Ripple Current to Obtain Efficient and Reliable Power from Fuel Cell Sources

Fuel cells are one of the cleanest and most efficient technologies for generating electricity. In most cases, the fuel cell associated power conditioning system must include a DC-DC converter and a DC to AC inverter. Inverter input ripple current has been reported to possibly degrade fuel cell performance and reduce operating life if ripple currents are not adequately controlled. This paper proposes an active filtering method to cancel the 2nd harmonic current ripple drawn from the fuel cell source in a typical single phase fuel cell system. The proposed active harmonic filter provides an alternate path for the 120 Hz ripple, thereby, preventing the ripple from circulating through the source. The proposed system was simulated using PSpice and the results are presented. Experimental results from a laboratory prototype are also included to validate the proposed approach