Study of Controllers for an Isolated Full Bridge Boost Converter Topology in Fuel Cell Applications: A Comparative Approach

Abstract

Renewable energy sources have become an intriguing topic of research in recent years and fuel cells have developed as an alternate option for creating electricity to tackle the energy issue. This prompted research into power conditioning systems, which connect the fuel cell to the utilities.  The isolated full bridge boost converter (IFBC) topology is the most suitable for fuel cell applications among the many converter topologies. A Predictive Switching Modulator (PSM) Control for the converter architecture is proposed in this study, and its performance is compared with Linear Peak Current Mode Control (LPCM), and Non-Linear Carrier Control(NLC). The selected IFBC converter is controlled by using three controllers (LPCM, NLC and PSM) and simulation is done using MATLAB with fuel cell as input source. The three controllers are then compared in terms of time response parameters and finally the proposed PSM control was found to be the better controller in achieving the fast response by overcoming the uncertainties and achieving steady state stability.