A Differential Evolution-Based Optimized Fuzzy Logic MPPT Method for Enhancing the Maximum Power Extraction of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

Recently, fuel cells (FCs) have found vast employment in several applications. However, unique maximum power point tracking (MPPT) exists for each set of operating condition for the efficient operation of FCs. Therefore, this paper presents a differential evolution optimization algorithm (DEOA)based optimized fuzzy-logic (OFLC) MPPT method for enhancing the maximum power extraction of FCs. The various settings for the membership functions (MFs) of the input and output variables are optimized in the proposed method. Thence, more degree-of-freedom can be employed for accurate and fast tracking of the optimal power point of the proton exchange membrane FCs (PEMFCs). Whereas, existing MPPT methods in the literature for FC applications suffer from decreased degree-of-freedom for optimizing their performance, and lack of adaptivity, which obstructs their suitability for the wide operating range of FCs. The superiority and performance effectiveness of the proposed OFLC MPPT method have been validated and compared with the most prevalent techniques in the literature. Moreover, the robustness and sensitivity of the proposed OFLC MPPT method have been tested at various step changes in the water content of membrane and various temperature changes. Moreover, the proposed design of the suggested OFLC MPPT is general and it can be implemented on low-cost microcontrollers. The results verify the superior performance of the proposed OFLC MPPT method from the accurate and fast MPPT extraction, smooth output power with low ripple, and simplicity of the design point of views. INDEX TERMS Differential Evolution Optimization Algorithm (DEOA), fuel cell (FC), fuzzy logic control (FLC), maximum power point tracking.

Marine Predators Algorithm Optimized Reduced Sensor Fuzzy-Logic Based Maximum Power Point Tracking of Fuel Cell-Battery Standalone Applications

“…The previous models are combined to provide modelling for PEMFC stack. The Matlab program has been used for the model based on the selected PEMFC specifications from [7]. Table 1 summarizes the specifications of the modelled PEMFC stack in the proposed scheme.…”

“…Thence, PEMFCs have been preferred as energy supply alternatives. The main features of PEMFCs are their fast operation, the low operating temperatures, no resulting contamination, and the higher power efficiencies [7]. However, nonlinearity exists in the output characteristics of PEMFCs and unique operating point exists for the maximum power point (MPP) operation [8].…”

“…Recently, MPP tracking (MPPT) schemes have been widely employed for solving the MPP uniqueness in several applications [8]. A single MPP exists for each combination of membrane water content and temperature in PEMFC applications [7]. Accordingly, MPPT controller has become an integral component of PEMFCs to continuously operate at their optimum output power.…”

“…Another hybrid BAT algorithm with FLC has been introduced in [32] for grid tied systems. The differential evaluation optimizer algorithms (DEOA) based FLC design was presented in [7] for PEMFC systems. The firefly optimized with asymmetrical FLC has been proposed in [33].…”

Improved Controller and Design Method for Grid-Connected Three-Phase Differential SEPIC Inverter

“…Conventional inverters utilize two/three legs to build single/three-phase voltage source inverters (VSIs). However, the integration of the recent RESs with the utility grid needs DC-AC conversion circuits with voltage boosting capability and low commonmode voltage (CMV) [4]. In order to fulfill these requirements, integration of line frequency transformer (LFT) between inverter and grid is the simple and straightforward solution [5].…”