Abstract
This thesis outlines the design and development of a DC-DC converter for a fuel cell inverter application. The proposed DC-DC converter was designed and tested at Texas A&M to meet the specifications laid down for the '2001 Future Energy Challenge (FEC)' organized by the Department of Energy and IEEE in August 2001. An efficient 3-terminal DC-DC push-pull topology was adopted to meet the performance and stringent cost constraints. A broad overview of the DC-AC inverter and its control is also presented for completeness. High performance, easy manufacturability, lower component count, safety and cost are also addressed. Protection and diagnostic features form an important part of the design. Another highlight of the proposed design is the control strategy which allows the inverter to adapt to the requirements of the load as well as the power source (fuel cell). DC-DC converter and inverter topologies are designed to achieve ease of manufacturability and mass production. Two sets of lead-acid batteries are provided on the high voltage DC bus to supply sudden load demands. Efficient and smooth control of the power drawn from the fuel cell and the high voltage battery is achieved by controlling the front end DC-DC converter in current mode.
Gopinath, Rajesh (2001). Design and development of a DC-DC converter for a fuel cell inverter system. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2001 -THESIS -G656.