Design of a fuel cell based backup system for telecoms applications

The aim of this project is to develop a modular 5.5 kW backup system for telecoms stations based on a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. Here, we will focus on the sizing procedure both of the fuel cell and of the DC/DC converter, whose topology is determined by the choice of the fuel cell stack. In our case this is an interleaved boost converter always working in the discontinous conduction mode. We will present a Simulink dynamic model we developed that integrates the fuel cell and the boost converter models, and their controller. The simulations show the system is capable of supplying the maximum power, and to regulate the output voltage with a good dynamic response in the whole 42-60 V range.