Hot-swap parallel operation of boost converters designed for the output of fuel cells

A control method for parallel connected, hot- swappable boost converters suitable to use with fuel cells is described. Simulation results for the system are included. The simulation study has been carried out in MATLAB-SIMULINK. The dynamic model of the fuel cell is also included in the simulations. The control algorithm used in the design adjusts the number of units to operate in parallel depending on the total load. Current and power sharing is achieved by measuring the input current of the converters. This method is compared with others for the same function. Dynamic equivalent circuit of the fuel cell is included in the simulations to evaluate the effects of current ripples. Finally, parallel connection design is compared with a single-unit design in terms of efficiency and costs.