Novel efficient and reliable DC/AC converter for fuel cell power conditioning

• US 20050141248A1
• Filed: 09/10/2004
• Published: 06/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Board of Trustees of The University of Illinois
• Original Assignee: Board of Trustees of The University of Illinois
• Inventors: Mazumder, Sudip K., Acharya, Kaustuva, Burra, Rajni K.
• Application Number:
  US10/938,469
• Publication Number:
  US 20050141248A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 363/39
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2300/30 The power source being a fuel cell
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/381 Dispersed generators
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/46 Controlling of the sharing of output between the generators, converters, or transformers
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/4807 having a high frequency intermediate AC stage
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/53875 with analogue control of three-phase output
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/5395 by pulse-width modulation

Abstract

A novel power conditioning converter which provides a significant reduction in input current ripple (<1%), with efficiency above 90% and reduced thermal management is proposed. The converter in discussion has a sort-switched, multilevel, high frequency converter, which acts as an interface between the dc/dc boost and the ac/ac converter. This paper presents a detailed description of the operation of the converter and highlights the important features and advantages. SABER simulation results are presented to provide an improved understanding of the switching mechanisms. A discussion on the implementation of the converter and the status of ongoing work is presented.

Claims

1. A power electronic system for conditioning power from a fuel cell, such system comprising:

a boost converter adapted to boost a voltage of a direct current output voltage from the fuel cell and to cancel ripple through mutual inductance;

a high frequency converter with a plurality of switching elements adapted to convert the direct current voltage from the boost converter into a square wave; and

an AC to AC converter adapted to reduce a current in each of the switching elements of the high frequency converter substantially to zero before a switching element is switched.