Power Converters and EMS for Fuel Cells CCHP Applications: A Structural and Extended Review

Abstract

Fuel Cells (FCs) and Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (CCHP) systems are becoming very popular due to their environmental friendliness and immense applications. This extended review paper commenced by introducing the rampant South Africa's electricity crisis as the basis for the study, followed by some structural analyses of up to forty-four miscellaneous power electronics converters case studies applicable to fuel cells including at least sixteen FCs energy management systems (EMS) applicable case studies. The review rationale is to determine innovative best practices that can be applied to devise an efficient power converter and EMS for an energy efficient FC CCHP system. From these analyses, it is realized that each power converter and EMS scheme has its merits and demerits depending on the targeted applications and most importantly the research project objectives − that is, whether the goals are to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, reduce size, boost performance, simplicity, durability, reliability, safety etc. Therefore, the conclusion drawn is, there is no "one size fits all" approach, as all the various reviewed case studies reported relatively good results based on their chosen schemes for their targeted applications. Notwithstanding, this review highlights are, i) the interleaved boost converter and variants as well as ii) the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique; are the most widely used schemes, as they are reasonably effective and simple to implement. The contributions brought forward are i) an apt single reference study that presents a quick topological insight and synopsis of assorted FCs power converters as well as EMS and ii) our proffered FC CCHP system undergoing research to offer an innovative energy efficient solution for basic household energy needs such as electricity, heating, cooling and lighting.