LAUSR

The connection of distributed generation systems powered by fuel cells (FCs) to the grid requires power electronics devices with high voltage gain, high capability of power processing and high levels of current absorbed from the direct current (dc) source. In this context, the authors propose the use of an interleaved boost with voltage multiplier (IBVM) converter connected to a FC and a voltage source inverter (VSI) to form a micro grid. To manage the power delivered by the FC in grid-connected operation, they propose two different control structures, mode 1 (FC cascade control) and mode 2 (controlling FC operating point). In mode 1, the dc-link voltage is adjusted by the dc/dc converter, while the injected current is controlled by the VSI. On the other hand, in mode 2, the VSI is responsible to keep the dc-link stable, while the dc/dc converter controls the current injected into the grid by means of the FC current reference. Since the VSI control structure has been exhaustively investigated in the literature, in this study, they evaluate the impact of the proposed control structures in the dc-side and also the IBVM efficiency. Finally, they conclude the study outlining the main points discussed.