Comprehensive influences measurement and analysis of power converter low frequency current ripple on PEM fuel cell.

To deeply understand the influences of power converter's low frequency current ripple (LFCR) and harmonics on a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in its power conditioning system (PCS), a comprehensive measurement and analysis of the influences of LFCR and harmonics on PEMFC's performance and durability is investigated in this paper. Based on an equivalent circuit model of PEMFC stack and a mechanism model for evaluating the LFCR effects on the PEMFC, this paper studies primarily and systematically the comprehensive influences of LFCR and harmonics on PEMFC performances and durability, such as (1) degrading the PEMFC performance, (2) shortening the lifetime of PEMFC, (3) reducing the stack output power, (4) lowing its availability efficiency, (5) producing more heat and raising the PEMFC temperature, (6) consuming more fuel, and (7) decreasing the fuel utilization. Finally, a Horizon 300 W PEMFC stack is implemented and tested. • Investigating comprehensive influences of power converter LFCR and harmonics on FC. • Indicating the mechanism and model for evaluating the LFCR effects on a PEMFC. • Reducing performance, lifespan, power, efficiency, and hydrogen utilization of FC. • Increasing the thermal and temperature, and fuel consumption of FC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]