A passivity based control with augmented integration for an Interleaved Current Fed Full Bridge converter as a front end for fuel cell source

Abstract

Front end converter for fuel cells need to ensure a low input current ripple and have a voltage step up capability. Boost derived converters are often used. An Interleaved Current Fed Full Bridge Converter (ICFFB) has the capability to step up the voltage while maintaining a low input current ripple. Thus it is a suitable front end converter for fuel cell stacks. However, as a boost derived converter, it has a non-minimum phase behavior when designed to operate as a regulated voltage source which limits its dynamic response. A passivity based controller (PBC) plus an integrator are used here to regulate the output voltage. The paper includes the design of passivity based controller and its performance evaluation with respect to the cascaded current mode control. Experimental implementation and evaluation is presented. © 2007 IEEE.