Effect of load modeling on low frequency current ripple in fuel cell generation systems

In this work, an accurate analysis of low frequency current ripple in residential fuel cell power generation systems is performed based on the proposed residential load model and its unique operation algorithm. Rather than using a constant dc voltage source, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) model is implemented in this research so that a system-level analysis considering the fuel cell stack, power conditioning system (PCS), and the actual load is possible. Using the attained results, a comparative study regarding the discrepancies of low frequency current ripple between a simple resistor load and a realistic residential load is performed. The data indicate that the low frequency current ripple of the proposed residential load model is increased by more than a factor of two when compared to the low frequency current ripple of a simple resistor load under identical conditions. Theoretical analysis, simulation data, and experimental results are provided, along with a model of the load usage pattern of low frequency current ripples.