Micro-computer control for a fuel cell test bench for residential use

Abstract

Great efforts are presently being undertaken to develop fuel cell applications. The Chair of Electrical Power Networks and Renewable Energy Sources at the University of Magdeburg operates a fuel cell test bench which is oriented to fuel cell applications for residential use. Like many test benches of this kind, the control of the plant is done by a classical programmable logic controller (PLC). After numerous measurements and tests were carried out, it could be noted that the process power of the PLC is limited considering the improvement of dynamic behaviour of a fuel cell system and taking over extensive calculation tasks. Furthermore, an automatic measuring procedure is desirable for long-term investigations. An interface is therefore necessary for the superordinate PC-based measurement and system control in order to vary specific parameters dependent on the experimental process which have not yet been realised. Additionally, it can be noted that an economical and ecological operation of a fuel cell plant is only possible if the design considers the entire heating system. The combination of both tasks in a common control is useful. The micro-computer control as a standard solution is available for the superordinate combined control of heating systems and block-type thermal power stations using combustion engines. This control system will now be modified in close co-operation with the suppliers for the test stand control.