Fuzzy logic based DC bus voltage control of a stand alone photovoltaic/fuel cell/supercapacitor power plant

Abstract

A renewable energy hybrid power plant, fed by photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cell (FC) sources with a supercapacitor (SC) storage device and suitable for distributed generation applications, is proposed herein. The PV is used as the primary source; the FC acts as a backup and a long-term storage system, feeding only the insufficiency power (steady-state) from the PV; and the SC functions as an auxiliary source and a shortterm storage system for supplying the deficiency power (transient and steady-state) from the PV and the FC. A mathematical model (reduced-order model) of the FC, PV, and SC converters is described for the control of the power plant. Using the intelligent fuzzy logic controller based on the flatness property for dc grid voltage regulation, we propose a simple solution to the dynamic optimization and stabilization problems in the power system. This is the key innovative contribution of this research paper. The prototype small-scale power plant implemented was composed of a PEMFC system (1.2 kW, 46 A), a PV array (0.8 kW), and a SC module (100 F, 32 V). Experimental results validate the excellent control algorithm during load cycles.

Review on the Recent Developments of Photovoltaic Thermal (PV/T) and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Based Hybrid System

“…Thounthong et al [38]designed a mathematical model of hybrid PV/FC/SC. A dynamic optimization is proposed using intelligent fuzzy logic controller.…”

“…A dynamic optimization is proposed using intelligent fuzzy logic controller. Several others proposed the same system with the energy management approach [38,39] Various configurations have been proposed by previous studies which can be concluded that they can be classified in term of energy storage method. In the early stage a simple system which only consisting of battery is used.…”

Optimal efficiency of fuel cell/battery hybrid power management

“…Beyond finding new alternative fuels and methods, the hybrid power configuration is commonly accepted to solve the current problems. The hybrid power systems one can use fossil fuels combined with electric power storage such as battery or super capacitors to promote the efficiency, the other can use fuel cells, solar cells combined with electric power storages to form a zero-emissions power system with a long lasting operation or low-cost consumption strategies [1][2] [4][5] [6] [13][14] [16].…”