Power Converters and Controllers for UPS Applications with Backup PEM Fuel Cell

Abstract

This paper studies the practical cost-effective DC/DC converter, DC/AC inverter and AC/DC rectifier for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system with backup proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Furthermore, a comprehensive controller for the PEMFC is designed according to the change of the load, while the energy storage elements, such as battery and ultracapacitor, are chosen in order to compensate the slow dynamic response of PEMFC and to meet the sudden peak load energy demand. The designed power converters can supply high quality power with flexible conversion functions, leading to the establishment of reliable power management for UPS applications. Finally, a suitable control strategy and technique, capable of coping with the change of the load for PEMFC and realizing the energy managements of UPS hybrid system, is implemented. The performances of the proposed power converters and controllers are evaluated by experimental results, showing that the developed UPS system with backup PEMFC and battery power sources is suitable for industry applications.