Development of control strategies and topologies for alternative energy systems

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Power electronic systems are widely used in alternative energy systems such as fuel cells to transform, control and supply the energy from the fuel cell to the load (stand-alone systems) or the utility grid (grid-connected systems). A fuel cell (FC) is an energy conversion device that produces electricity by electrochemically combining fuel (e.g. natural gas, hydrogen, methanol, etc.) and oxidant (oxygen from air). Fuel cells are similar to batteries in that both produce dc voltage and current. Hence, power conditioning units consisting of dc-dc power converters and dc-ac inverters are required as interfaces to the load or the standard utility grid. Power electronics designers of the power converters for fuel cell applications face the challenge of ensuring high reliability, high efficiency, low cost, and safety of operation. These desirable features can be achieved through the development of suitable power converter topologies and control strategies. The successful development of the power converters is hindered by the high cost and complexity of peripheral devices of fuel cell stack. A fuel cell simulator that can emulate a fuel cell stack without using an actual fuel cell stack will reduce developmental costs and enable the advancement of the power conditioning systems.The goal of the proposed research program is to develop a robust and versatile fuel cell generation system based on the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). In the short term, it is proposed to investigate, develop and implement control strategies for the power electronic converters that will enable the fuel cell simulator to emulate the electrical characteristics of the fuel cell stack for stand-alone applications.The proposed research addresses the need for an easier and cheaper approach to enhance the development of fuel cell generation systems. Strategically, the research program seeks to develop an experimental test-bed that will be used to provide integrated solutions to meet the demand for smart, clean and efficient sustainable energy resources. The research program will also provide training for senior undergraduate and graduate students in the area of alternative energy systems.