Comparative Study of Single-Switch and Double-Switch Converter Topologies, Working on Dead-Zone Mode, for Fuel Cell Applications

The growing concerns regarding the increase of greenhouse gases emissions causes engineers and researchers to look for more sustainable solutions to produce electricity. Fuel Cells (FCs) are viewed as a promising solution, since they can provide clean and renewable energy. Regardless the application of FCs, a power converter is required to control their operation. Hence, the overall efficiency of the system is strongly dependent on the efficiency of the power converter. Despite the multitude of power conversion solutions available in the literature, it is not clear which solutions provide the best compromise between efficiency, cost effectiveness, and reliability. On that basis, this paper aims to evaluate the performance of candidate DC-DC converter topologies for FC applications in DC microgrids. Main merits and drawbacks related to each topology will be assessed. Performance analysis will consider parameters like conversion efficiency, ripple, and number of components. A48V DC microgrid and a 3 kW FC, with a voltage range from 68 V-36V are modelled in Simulink.