Accurate loss modelling of fuel cell boost converter and traction inverter for efficiency calculation in fuel cell-battery hybrid vehicles

Nowadays, power electronic converters are known as crucial components in modern fuel cell, electric and hybrid electric vehicles. In fuel cell-battery vehicles, a boost converter is required to adjust the fuel cell dc low voltage with the dc-link voltage of the three-phase dc/ac traction inverter. The inverter takes the voltage of dc supply and converts it into variable-frequency, variable-voltage ac for the machine. In this paper a precise methodology will be introduced to model and calculate both the boost converter and traction inverter losses in fuel cell-battery vehicles. Diode and IGBT losses, consisting of the switching and conduction losses, are considered for both the boost converter and traction inverter. Inductor losses are considered for the boost converter as well. The proposed models are precise enough and also easily calculable using manufactures´ data. The derived models are thereafter linked to the ADvanced VehIcle SimulatOR (ADVISOR) software to examine the total losses of both converters under a city drive cycle. Finally, the average efficiencies of both converters will be analyzed under this driving cycle.