Performance Analysis of a Fuel Cell Connected to a DC-DC Boost Converter

Abstract

The following paper presents performance analysis of a DC-DC boost converter coupled Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. The fuel cell proves to be a promising source of clean and efficient energy, but it requires a voltage boost to match the demands of many practical applications. DC-DC boost converter is being used for voltage conversion in power electronics. The characteristics of fuel cell coupled to the DC-DC boost converter under various operating conditions, including different loads and input voltages, is investigated. MATLAB is being used to model the fuel cell connected to DC-DC boost converter and to analyse their performance. Use of various controllers like PI, Fuzzy Controller have been simulated and results were compared. The results show that DC-DC boost converter can effectively rise voltage output of fuel cell and improve its efficiency.