Design and control of multiphase interleaved boost converters-based on differential flatness theory for PEM fuel cell multi-stack applications. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thounthong, Phatiphat; Mungporn, Pongsiri; Guilbert, Damien; Takorabet, Noureddine; Pierfederici, Serge; Nahid-Mobarakeh, Babak; Hu, Yihua; Bizon, Nicu; Huangfu, Yigeng; Kumam, Poom
• Is Part Of: International journal of electrical power & energy systems. Volume 124(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: DC microgrid -- Differential flatness control -- Interleaved boost converter -- Fuel cell multi-stack -- Energy control; Electrical engineering -- Periodicals; Electric power systems -- Periodicals; Électrotechnique -- Périodiques; Réseaux électriques (Énergie) -- Périodiques; Electric power systems; Electrical engineering; Periodicals; 621.3
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijepes.2020.106346
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-0615

Abstract

Highlights: Energy management is developed for PEM fuel cell multi-stack system. A nonlinear differential flatness based-control has been designed. Multiphase interleaved boost converters have been used to reduce current ripple. An experimental test rig has been realized to validate the proposed strategy. Obtained experimental results show excellent performance during load cycles. Abstract: This article is focused on the development of an energy management algorithm applied to a multi-stack fuel cell (FC) system for DC microgrid applications. To guarantee the performance of the FC stacks, the current ripple is reduced by employing multiphase interleaved boost converters. A proposed advanced control technique of the multi-stack with multiphase converters for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) FCs is estimated based on a differential flatness approach, in which it can track the power demand in real-time. Furthermore, the differential flatness based-control can ensure the balance of the DC bus voltage of the DC microgrid when load disturbance occurs. The flatness-based energy management strategy is based on both inner current loops (control of the multi-stack PEMFC through their multiphase interleaved boost converters) and outer voltage loop (DC bus voltage regulation). Compared to classic PI controllers mainly based on the linearization of the system to obtain the transfer function (making complex its application), the flatness-based theory leans on time-domain making it easier its use for various applications while ensuring good performances. To validate the proposed control structure, an FC converter system (5 kW) is realized and validated in the laboratory. For hydrogen production, the methanol FC system has consisted of a reformer engine that changes water mixed methanol liquid into hydrogen to supply FC stacks (ME 2 Power Fuel Cell System: 50 V, 5 kW). The proposed control algorithm is tested experimentally by using a dSPACE controller board platform. Simulation and test bench results authenticate the excellent performance during load cycles in DC microgrid.