Application of a Hardware-in-the-loop DC/DC converter and microgrid simulation to a PEMFC

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are efficient energy converters that convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy. These units are suitable for dynamic applications and can be used for stationary as well as mobile electrical power generation. The field of application, however, predetermines the type of electrical connection network, electrical storage devices and electrical loads that the fuel cell is attached to. This study puts the focus on the interaction of a physically available fuel cell with the electrical application such as storage and consumers. As an example, a microgrid connected through a DC/DC converter to the fuel cell is realized by a Hardware-in-the-loop simulation being linked to the fuel cell. The Hardware-in-the-loop simulation is compared to the physical system consisting of the fuel cell and a DC/DC converter. A model predictive control for electrical power is presented. Experimental results of the Hardware-in-the-loop simulation and the physical system are shown.