Comparison between fuel cell based maximum power point tracking algorithms

SANCHEZ REINOSO, C.R.; AVILA, L.; DE PAULA, M.

Congreso; 6th Symposium on Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Advanced Batteries; 2017

Currently natural gas and oil are the main energy sourcesin the world and they are non‐renewables, polluting and oflimited availability. The polluting characteristic of these energysources is particularly shown through the occurrence ofglobal warming and there are international agreements urgingthe addressing of this situation. Wind, solar and fuel cellsare among the eco‐friendly power generation systems available.Fuel cell based power generation systems obtain electricalenergy directly from a chemical reaction and is one ofthe most promising renewable sources of energy [1]. Fuelcells output varies in function of humidity and temperatureamong other factors [2]. There are a number of internal parametersthat can affect the cell output [3‐6] but in any case,the relationship between cell current and voltage is non‐linear,and there is a specific operating point that allows it toprovide its maximum power. This maximum power point,however, varies according to temperature and water contentin the membrane therefore it is important to track saidpoint. This work studies and implements in computers maximumpower tracking algorithms for fuel cells based systemsoperating under different work conditions, and then performa comparative analysis among them.