Dynamic Modeling of Fuel Cell and Model Predictive Control of Interface IBVM Converter in Current Mode for the Application of Distributed Power Generation

The fuel cell, as an efficient and environmentally friendly energy source, has received much attention in recent years. In this paper, a comprehensive model of the 6-kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, including dynamic model along with the electrical model, is presented. The mass balance and thermodynamic energy balance, temperature dynamics, open-circuit output voltage, voltage losses, and the formation of charge double layer in the PEM fuel cell are modeled. The connection of fuel cells to the microgrids in applications such as distributed power generation, power systems of naval defense systems, and military ships requires DC-DC power converters with high voltage gain, high capability of power processing, and high levels of current absorbed from the dc source. In this context, this paper proposes the use of an interleaved boost DC-DC converter and an interleaved boost with voltage multiplier converter (IBVM) to connect the fuel cell to the microgrids. Then a model predictive control algorithm is proposed for the two proposed converter as a current-mode controller to control the injected current by fuel cell as well as to smooth output fluctuations of the fuel cell. Compared with traditional cascade linear control, the proposed scheme avoids PID parameters tuning, PWM modulation, and coordinate transformation. The simulation results are given to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control method, the chosen converters, and the obtained model of PEM fuel cell.