Design and Modelling of PWM Based Interleaved Boost Converter for PEMFC(Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell)

Abstract

Fuel cells are a family of technologies that generate electricity through electrochemical process rather than combustion. Fuel cell is continuously produce electricity as along as fuel is supplied and the catalyst remains active. Fuel cells provide major environmental, energy and economic benefits that advance critical national goals. Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the promising technologies for the distributed power generation. For designing high efficiency fuel cell power systems, a suitable DC-DC converter is required. Interleaved boost converter (IBC) is a better solution for fuel cell systems, due to improved electrical performance, reduced weight and size. Due to low temperature and use of precious metal based electrodes PEMFC cell must operate on pure hydrogen. In this paper, the electrochemical modelling of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) has been carried out. The type of the conversion structure is a boost, increasing the voltage delivered by the fuel cell and controlled by a PWM signal. After modelling the converter, it is connected to the fuel cell.