Modular DC/DC Boost Converter for Efficient and Ripple-Free Conversion in Fuel Cell-Based Powertrains

The need to reduce emissions in the transport sector is making fuel-cell electric vehicles an option of increasing interest. However, several problems are still associated with this type of vehicles, including high costs and reliability. This paper discusses the issues related to the effects of the current ripple on PEM-type fuel cells and how a simple converter control strategy can be adopted to mitigate it. The study considers an interleaved boost converter in relation to its modular architecture and its present wide use in the automotive sector. The effect of different powertrain design parameters on the converter and its control technique is studied. Finally, a numerical analysis of the converter's efficiency is carried out to assess the possibility of achieving ripple-free operation even when phase shedding is adopted to increase the converter efficiency at partial loads.