Investigation to power conversion topology for fuel cell power generation system

Abstract

Since the fuel cell (FC) is expensive now, it is worth to optimize the performance of power conversion system (PCS) for raising utilization of fuel cell. This paper presents an approach to investigate the power conversion topology for fuel cell power generation system. Firstly, through analyzing the demands of fuel cell power conversion system, the PCS structures are synthesized and an optimal PCS structure is derived. Secondly, four implemented power conversion circuits of the optimal PCS structure are obtained and evaluated. In addition, a novel power management unit (PMU) a novel power management unit (PMU) scheme is presented. It can not only complement the function of fuel cell, but also act as DC bus capacitors to suppress the fluctuation of neutral point voltage and prevent fuel cell from the low frequency current ripple under unbalanced load. In this way, the electrolytic capacitors can be eliminated.