Optimal interface based on power electronics in distributed generation systems for fuel cells

A hybrid system comprising a fuel cell stack and a battery bank was developed, built and tested in this research work. This hybrid system was built to supply both DC and AC outputs. The voltage levels set on electrical interconnection points are achieved with several power conditioning stages controlled by Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The main advantage of this system is its excellence as a test bench, since it allows testing system performance at different voltage-restricted interconnecting points. Besides, power electronics are observed to play an essential role in distributed generation systems. The applications of the developed hybrid system extend from Auxiliary Power Units (APU) in vehicles (cars, buses or trains) to Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, office buildings or schools.

► Hybrid system to supply DC and AC outputs based on fuel cell and battery bank.
► Power conditioning stages controlled by Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
► The system built is an excellent test bench. It allows testing system performance at different voltage-restricted points.
► Applications: Auxiliary Power Units or Uninterruptible Power Systems for mobile and stationary applications respectively.