Advanced power conditioning system technologies for high-megawatt fuel cell power plants

High-megawatt power conditioning systems (PCSs) are required to convert the low-voltage produced by fuel cell modules in central station scale plants to the very much higher voltage levels required for delivery to the grid. As part of a NIST/DOE Interagency Agreement, advanced PCS architectures, circuit topologies, and component technologies are being evaluated to identify technologies requiring development to meet the fuel cell power plant PCS cost goals of $40-$100/kW. In addition, several industry, government, and university programs are being initiated to in part support these fuel cell power plant PCS goals.