A New Inverter for Improved Fuel Cell Performance in Grid-Tied Application

Nagasmitha Akkinapragada
Badrul H. Chowdhury, Missouri University of Science and Technology

This document has been relocated to http://scholarsmine.mst.edu/ele_comeng_facwork/801

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Abstract

The interconnection of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with the power conditioning units vis-à-vis a DC/DC converter and a DC/AC inverter for interfacing with the utility grid is presented. Fuel cells operate at low voltages and hence need to be boosted and inverted in order to be connected to the grid. The fuel cell and the DC/DC converter modeling are briefly explained. The methodology and the controller design for the control of power flow from the fuel cell to the utility grid are discussed. Power characteristics of the DC/AC inverter are compared with the characteristics of the DC/DC converter and the fuel cell. Fuel cells have slow response time which prevents it from grid-tie applications. Simulations validate the improvement in the response when the power conditioning unit is connected.