Modeling and Analysis of Grid Tied Combined Ultracapacitor Fuel Cell for Renewable Application

Abstract: In this manuscript, the performance of an ultracapacitor fuel cell in grid connected mode is investigated. Voltage regulation to the ultracapacitor was achieved with a three level bidirectional DC-DC converter while also achieving power flow from the grid to the ultra-capacitor via the bidirectional converter. The choice of a bidirectional three level converter for voltage regulation is based on its inherently high efficiency, low harmonic profile and compact size. Using the model equations of the converter and grid connected inverter derived using the switching function approach, the grid's direct and quadrature axes modulation indices, Md and Mq, respectively were simulated in Matlab for both lagging and leading power factors. Moreover, the values of Md and Mq were exploited in a PLECS based simulation of the proposed model to determine the effect of power factor correction on the current and power injection to grid