Resonant AC link system converter for fuel cell grid interface

Abstract

The transition from the present fossil fuel based economy to a self-sufficiency clean energy world depends upon distinctive power electronic systems for the implementation of alternative energy grid interface. Fuel cell technology is an attractive means of power generation because it is environmentally clean, uses the vast resource of hydrogen as fuel and approximately doubles the current cycle efficiency of fossil fuel power generation. This paper discusses the proposal of a high frequency series resonant AC link operating under discrete pulse modulation for interfacing a fuel cell to the grid. Analysis and simulations studies are presented, showing the advantages of creating zero-current-switching conditions which enable the use of thyristors and related technologies.