Real-Time Implementation of a Super Twisting Algorithm for PEM Fuel Cell Power System

Mohamed Derbeli, Oscar Barambones, Jose Antonio Ramos-Hernanz and Lassaad Sbita
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Mohamed Derbeli: Engineering School of Vitoria, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Nieves Cano 12, 1006 Vitoria, Spain
Oscar Barambones: Engineering School of Vitoria, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Nieves Cano 12, 1006 Vitoria, Spain
Jose Antonio Ramos-Hernanz: Engineering School of Vitoria, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Nieves Cano 12, 1006 Vitoria, Spain
Lassaad Sbita: National Engineering School of Gabes, University of Gabes, Omar Ibn-Elkhattab, Zrig, 6029 Gabes, Tunisia

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 9, 1-20

Abstract: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) topology is becoming one of the most reliable and promising alternative resource of energy for a wide range of applications. However, efficiency improvement and lifespan extension are needed to overcome the limited market of fuel cell technologies. In this paper, an efficient approach based on a super-twising algorithm (STA) is proposed for the PEMFC system. The control objective is to lengthen the fuel cell lifetime by improving its power quality, as well as to keep the system operating at an optimal and efficient power point. The algorithm adjusts the PEMFC operating point to the optimum power by tuning the duty cycle of the boost converter. The closed-loop system includes the Heliocentris hy-Expert TM PEMFC, DC–DC boost converter, DSPACE DS1104, dedicated PC, and a programmable electronic load. The practical implementation of the proposed STA on a hardware setup is performed using a dSPACE real-time digital control platform. The data acquisition and the control system are conducted together with the dSPACE 1104 controller board. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm, experimental results are compared with 1-order sliding mode control (SMC) under different load resistance. The obtained results demonstrate the validity of the proposed control scheme by ensuring at least 72% of the maximum power produced by PEMFC. In addition, it is proven that the STA ensures all the fundamental properties of the 1-order SMC, as well as providing chattering reduction of 91%, which will ameliorate as a consequence the fuel cell lifetime.

Keywords: DC–DC Boost converter; dSPACE controller board; PEMFC; super twisting algorithm (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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